JAKARTA: Thousands of adherents of a Muslim group in Aceh, Indonesia celebrated Aidil Fitri on Thursday (March 19), earlier than the official date set by the government.
The group known as the Syattariyah Islamic order, a Sufi tradition within Islam, follows its own traditional method to determine the Islamic calendar.
The celebration took place in Nagan Raya Regency, where congregants performed Aidil Fitri prayers at the Peuleukung Mosque in Seunagan Timur District after completing 30 days of fasting.
Nagan Raya Regent Teuku Raja Keumangan said the group determines the date of Aidil Fitri using a traditional calculation system known as "Hisab Bilangan Lima,” which has been practised in the area for more than 200 years.
"This method has been passed down from generation to generation in Nagan Raya,” he said, according to Antara News Agency, on Thursday.
He added that differences in determining the date of Aidil Fitri are common in Indonesia, as some Muslim groups rely on physical moon sightings while others use calculations.
He said the early celebration reflects a long-standing religious tradition in Aceh, particularly in Nagan Raya Regency, which continues to be observed today. - Bernama
