Dili, March 31, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Muslim community in Timor-Leste celebrates Idul-Fitri with forgiveness, joy, peace, and brotherhood after a month of fasting, demonstrating patience and devotion until this special day.
The President of the An-Nur Foundation Council, Abdullah Said Sargaran, stated that today the Muslim community celebrates Idul-Fitri as a significant day to mark their victory after a month of fasting. This occasion represents a great spiritual struggle aimed at strengthening faith in God.
“The purpose of fasting for a month is to strengthen each individual’s faith in God. Through fasting, one experiences a deeper spiritual connection with God, enhancing their capacity for faith. It also symbolizes simplicity and serves as a sacrifice that individuals make as an expression of their trust in God,” said the President of the An-Nur Foundation Council, Abdullah Said Sargaran.
He added that Idul Fitri is a celebration of victory after a month of struggle, successfully reaching this day of celebration. It is also a moment to pray to God for forgiveness for all the mistakes made during this period.
“We must have tolerance for one another, see each other with kindness, and follow the message from the Pope that calls for human fraternity across the world. Although we, the Muslim community, are a minority, we continue to give this our full attention. In our country, we have never been accustomed to religious conflict, and we must continue to show respect for one another, setting a good example for the future,” he said.
He emphasized that in the context of independence, it is important to continue strengthening fraternity and friendship so that everyone can support each other in building a more prosperous nation in the future. Prosperity means that, despite the Muslim community being a minority in Timor-Leste, where the majority is Catholic, we can work together. Prosperity is a shared goal in this world.
“I extend my congratulations to all our Muslim brothers and sisters. After enduring the struggle, we have now achieved victory in this celebration of Idul-Fitri. What you have gained during the training of the past month of Ramadan must continue to be applied in your lives, within your communities, starting from your own families to the wider society, so that you can set a good example for the community.” he stated.
As one of Muslim community, Isac Diroma stated that as a Muslim community in Timor-Leste, they feel extremely happy because today they celebrate Idul-Fitri with joy and peace in their hearts.
“The celebration of Idul-Fitri is not just about a single day; it is a long process throughout the past month, through fasting and self-restraint from eating, drinking, and other desires. This helps us discipline ourselves from bad habits until today, a day of great happiness, as we have overcome all the challenges,” said Muslim community member Isac Diroma.
He added that Idul Fitri, throughout the month, trains us to avoid bad habits and overcome negativity, so the celebration of this day brings peace and stability to everyone’s heart.
“My hope for the future is how we can maintain and continue the efforts we made throughout the month, and how we can become good citizens who respect our parents and demonstrate positive and exemplary behavior in society.” He said.
This year, the Muslim community celebrated the Idul-Fitri holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, with great joy and unity, commemorating 1446 in the Islamic calendar. In addition to the celebration on the day of Idul-Fitri, the Muslim community participated in large numbers, especially from the capital Dili and its surrounding municipalities. Every year, the celebration of Idul-Fitri brings the community together, after a month of fasting, a tradition that strengthens the faith of the Muslim community.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano