Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto, stated that Eid al-Fitr 1444 Hijriah, falling on Saturday, is a momentum for self-introspection after a month of fasting and worship in the holy month of Ramadan.

After the Eid prayer at the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque, South Jakarta, Saturday, Subianto said he interprets this holiday as a day of victory with several positive aspects.

"During this time, the sermon during the prayer also said that Ramadan was a month full of fasting, detoxification, and self-control. It has a lot of meaning," he noted in a statement received here, Saturday.

Moreover, Subianto remarked that Eid al-Fitr is a momentum to get closer to God while improving the well-being of the heart and mind.

"It is a time to draw ourselves closer to the Almighty, to surrender, trust, and introspect. There are a lot of lessons from this moment," he stated.

After offering the Eid prayer, the minister met with people, who were enthusiastic to see him. He then conversed with the community attending the Eid prayer.

Subianto continued his Eid agenda by gathering with his extended family at his house and continuing his journey to Solo, Central Java.

Related news: Message of peace big theme at Istiqlal Mosque Eid sermon

He also wished Eid Mubarak 1444 Hijriyah to all Muslims in Indonesia. He also urged the public to prepare for a better future of Indonesia.

"I, Prabowo Subianto, wish you a happy Eid al-Fitr 1444 Hijriah. I apologized for any mistaken behavior. Let us welcome a better tomorrow, an Indonesia that continues to develop, an Indonesia that is safe, equal, and prosperous," he stated in a video on the Ministry of Defense's YouTube Channel on Friday.

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs decided 1 Shawwal 1444 Hijri or Eid al-Fitr 2023 AD to fall on Saturday.

The decision was taken following an isbat (confirmation) meeting on Thursday, April 20.

"Based on a hisab (astronomical observation), the position of the crescent moon in Indonesia is above the horizon and does not meet the new MABIMS (the Association of the Ministries of the Religious Affairs from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) criteria, as well as the absence of seeing the crescent moon. The isbat meeting determines that 1 Shawwal 1444 H falls on Saturday, April 22, 2023," Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas confirmed on Thursday.

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Translator: Fath Putra M, Resinta S
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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