As one of the largest mosques in the world, the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia has always been known for its grandeur and capacity to accommodate a large number of worshipers. During the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque sees an influx of Muslims who come to perform their prayers and seek blessings. This year, in preparation for the Eid-al-Fitr prayers, the Istiqlal Mosque has taken measures to ensure the safety and comfort of worshipers while still allowing for a massive congregation of 250 thousand people to come together for this important prayer. In this article, we’ll explore the preparations and efforts taken by the mosque’s authorities to make this possible.
Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta is all set to welcome a massive influx of up to 250,000 worshipers on Saturday, April 22, for the Eid al-Fitr prayer, according to Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar.
Umar said that the mosque is prepared to welcome 200,000 with ease and even up to 250,000 people if the outer red-floored courtyard is opened. However, with such a large number of visitors expected to arrive, worshippers must maintain order while joining the congregation.
Vice President Mar’uf Amin, along with several ministers, high-ranking officials, and ambassadors, will offer prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque. Umar is confident that the visitors will thrive as the mosque reopens for its first public Eid al-Fitr prayer.
Being the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, the Istiqlal Mosque operates with high service standards and emergency protocols. The grand imam emphasizes that the mosque even has a contingency protocol in case of an electric supply disruption.
Visitors planning to attend the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the mosque should adhere to health protocols, including wearing masks, while joining the congregation. Masks are effective measures not only to prevent COVID-19 but also to guard against other diseases, according to Umar.
Ahmad Muzakir, the mosque’s permanent Imam, will lead the Eid al-Fitr prayer, and the sermon after the prayer will be delivered by Jakarta’s Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Rector Professor Saepudin Jahar.
In addition, the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs urges Muslims to celebrate this year’s Eid al-Fitr with simplicity. President Joko Widodo will also join the prayer congregation at the Istiqlal Mosque.
In conclusion, the Istiqlal Mosque has prepared itself for a massive influx of visitors for the first public Eid al-Fitr prayer after the mosque’s renovation. With high service standards, emergency protocols, and health precautions in place, visitors can safely join the congregation to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
