Tonight, Tuesday evening or Tonight, is expected to be the beginning of 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijri or 17 February 2026 which also a Chinese New Year or IMLEK. The coming of the holy month of Ramadan is always a special and meaningful moment for Muslims, both in Indonesia and around the world.
What Does Fasting in Ramadan Mean? .
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn (before sunrise) until sunset. But fasting is not only about staying away from food and water. .
It is also about controlling our behavior, words, and thoughts. Muslims try to avoid bad actions such as lying, gossiping, or hurting others. Ramadan is a time to become more patient, more grateful, and more caring toward people in need. It is a month of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and stronger connection with God. Through fasting, Muslims learn empathy for the poor and appreciate the blessings they have in daily life. .
However, as usual, the official start of Ramadan in Indonesia waits for the decision of the Minister of Religious Affairs through the isbat meeting based on moon sighting (rukyatul hilal). This announcement is very important because it becomes a guide for Muslims in starting the fasting month together.
In general, people in Indonesia follow the government’s decision to keep unity and togetherness in worship. Even though many people predict that Ramadan may start tomorrow night, we still wait for the official announcement.
Personally, I and all Muslims have prepared ourselves to welcome this holy month. The first night of Tarawih prayer will be a hopeful beginning, and the next day we will start the first day of fasting. May this Ramadan bring blessings, health, and peace to all of us
Breaking the fast can be done anywhere, including in places like the one shown in this photo. People can enjoy free snacks or meals for iftar, both adults and children, at the local mosque. Photo by Asep Haryono
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Tradition and Meaning of Ramadan in Indonesia
In Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, Muslims begin the day with suhoor before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. After the Fajr prayer, fasting begins and continues until Maghrib (sunset), which is the time to break the fast.
Fasting is not only about holding hunger and thirst. Muslims also learn to control themselves. We avoid bad words, gossip, harmful actions, and negative behavior. Ramadan teaches patience, sincerity, and self-control.
Personally, I want to make Ramadan 1447 Hijri (2026) the best Ramadan in my life. I want to improve myself, increase my worship, and use this holy month in the best way possible.
The Tradition of Iftar and Togetherness
One strong tradition in Indonesia during Ramadan is providing food for breaking the fast. Almost all mosques, prayer rooms, and Islamic centers provide free iftar meals for the congregation.
The purpose is to strengthen friendship and unity among Muslims. Many people come early to the mosque to break their fast together before performing Maghrib prayer. The food and drinks usually come from donations. Everything is given free to everyone, including travelers who cannot go home in time.
Another popular tradition, especially among young people like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is sharing “takjil on the road.” They give free snacks and drinks to people at traffic lights or on the streets before sunset.
In Pontianak, West Kalimantan, there is also a special Ramadan market called Pasar Juadah. This market sells many kinds of food for iftar, such as traditional cakes and snacks. The atmosphere is lively and exciting before Maghrib.
The Tradition of Tarawih and Qur’an Recitation
One important tradition during Ramadan is Tarawih prayer. In Islamic teaching, Tarawih is a highly recommended sunnah prayer. Almost all mosques in Indonesia hold Tarawih prayer every night during Ramadan.
In Indonesia, some people pray 11 rak‘ahs and others pray 23 rak‘ahs. Both are correct and have strong religious foundations. There is no need for debate. Muslims are free to choose according to their belief and habit.
Tarawih is performed after the Isha prayer. After that, many mosques continue with tadarus, which means reciting the Qur’an together. Some people read one juz every night so they can complete 30 juz by the end of Ramadan.
This tradition strengthens faith and builds togetherness during the holy month.
Closing
In closing, I hope that I and my family can carry out all Ramadan worship activities well, starting tomorrow, God willing. May we be able to follow all the good deeds of Ramadan without any shortcomings. I pray that this Ramadan becomes the best Ramadan in our lives. Ameen.
Finally, I would like to say to all Muslims in Indonesia: Happy fasting in the month of Ramadan. May our fasting this year be the best in our lifetime. May Allah give us health, protection, and guidance so that we can complete this holy month with full blessings..
What Does Fasting in Ramadan Mean? .
Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn (before sunrise) until sunset. But fasting is not only about staying away from food and water. .
It is also about controlling our behavior, words, and thoughts. Muslims try to avoid bad actions such as lying, gossiping, or hurting others. Ramadan is a time to become more patient, more grateful, and more caring toward people in need. It is a month of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and stronger connection with God. Through fasting, Muslims learn empathy for the poor and appreciate the blessings they have in daily life. .
However, as usual, the official start of Ramadan in Indonesia waits for the decision of the Minister of Religious Affairs through the isbat meeting based on moon sighting (rukyatul hilal). This announcement is very important because it becomes a guide for Muslims in starting the fasting month together.
In general, people in Indonesia follow the government’s decision to keep unity and togetherness in worship. Even though many people predict that Ramadan may start tomorrow night, we still wait for the official announcement.
Personally, I and all Muslims have prepared ourselves to welcome this holy month. The first night of Tarawih prayer will be a hopeful beginning, and the next day we will start the first day of fasting. May this Ramadan bring blessings, health, and peace to all of us
.
Tradition and Meaning of Ramadan in Indonesia
In Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, Muslims begin the day with suhoor before the Fajr (dawn) prayer. After the Fajr prayer, fasting begins and continues until Maghrib (sunset), which is the time to break the fast.
Fasting is not only about holding hunger and thirst. Muslims also learn to control themselves. We avoid bad words, gossip, harmful actions, and negative behavior. Ramadan teaches patience, sincerity, and self-control.
Personally, I want to make Ramadan 1447 Hijri (2026) the best Ramadan in my life. I want to improve myself, increase my worship, and use this holy month in the best way possible.
The Tradition of Iftar and Togetherness
One strong tradition in Indonesia during Ramadan is providing food for breaking the fast. Almost all mosques, prayer rooms, and Islamic centers provide free iftar meals for the congregation.
The purpose is to strengthen friendship and unity among Muslims. Many people come early to the mosque to break their fast together before performing Maghrib prayer. The food and drinks usually come from donations. Everything is given free to everyone, including travelers who cannot go home in time.
Another popular tradition, especially among young people like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is sharing “takjil on the road.” They give free snacks and drinks to people at traffic lights or on the streets before sunset.
In Pontianak, West Kalimantan, there is also a special Ramadan market called Pasar Juadah. This market sells many kinds of food for iftar, such as traditional cakes and snacks. The atmosphere is lively and exciting before Maghrib.
The Tradition of Tarawih and Qur’an Recitation
One important tradition during Ramadan is Tarawih prayer. In Islamic teaching, Tarawih is a highly recommended sunnah prayer. Almost all mosques in Indonesia hold Tarawih prayer every night during Ramadan.
In Indonesia, some people pray 11 rak‘ahs and others pray 23 rak‘ahs. Both are correct and have strong religious foundations. There is no need for debate. Muslims are free to choose according to their belief and habit.
Tarawih is performed after the Isha prayer. After that, many mosques continue with tadarus, which means reciting the Qur’an together. Some people read one juz every night so they can complete 30 juz by the end of Ramadan.
This tradition strengthens faith and builds togetherness during the holy month.
Closing
In closing, I hope that I and my family can carry out all Ramadan worship activities well, starting tomorrow, God willing. May we be able to follow all the good deeds of Ramadan without any shortcomings. I pray that this Ramadan becomes the best Ramadan in our lives. Ameen.
Finally, I would like to say to all Muslims in Indonesia: Happy fasting in the month of Ramadan. May our fasting this year be the best in our lifetime. May Allah give us health, protection, and guidance so that we can complete this holy month with full blessings..
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
I hadn't realised Ramadan was soon. At work there are a few Muslims and since we all worked nightshift, they could always eat at work as it was during the night in the month of Ramadan. I have been off work since late November and will be off for a few months more I think, so won't see these people until after.
ReplyDeleteI was fasting before my injury. I would do 1 day fasts, 2 day fast or a full 3 day fast. I would take green tea or water. I couldn't do a dry fast as I would get terrible headaches without water. Good luck for Ramadan Asep for you and your family.
Dear Mrs Ananka,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind message and for sharing your experience. I hope you are recovering well from your injury and getting stronger each day.
It’s interesting to hear about your fasting experience too. A three-day fast sounds very challenging! Yes, staying hydrated is very important especially during longer fasts.
Thank you for your good wishes for Ramadan. I truly appreciate it. Wishing you good health and a smooth recovery.
Warm regards,
Asep