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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Thousands join Zikir and National Prayer at Monas for Indonesia's Independence

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Thousands gathered at Monas National Monument in Jakarta for a national Zikir and Prayer event.
  • The event, part of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations, emphasized unity and reflection on the nation's struggles.
  • Religious leaders from various faiths led prayers, underscoring Indonesia's commitment to harmony in diversity.

Thousands of participants filled the Monas National Monument in Jakarta for a solemn Zikir and National Prayer ceremony, marking a spiritual prelude to Indonesia's 81st Independence Day celebrations. The event, steeped in an atmosphere of reverence, aimed to foster a spirit of togetherness amidst the nation's rich diversity.

Organized to encourage national reflection, the ceremony invited all segments of society to remember the sacrifices of the nation's founders and to reinforce their collective resolve in continuing the journey of independence. The proceedings commenced with the national anthem, "Indonesia Raya," followed by a recitation of verses from the Quran's Surah Ar-Rahman by a distinguished international Quranic recitation champion.

With zikir we cultivate the heart, with prayer we knock on heaven's door, and with work and dedication we build the earth.

— KH Nasaruddin UmarThe Minister of Religious Affairs emphasized the spiritual and practical aspects of the Zikir and National Prayer event.

Minister of Religious Affairs, KH Nasaruddin Umar, highlighted the significance of the Zikir and National Prayer as a spiritual endeavor for the nation. He stressed the importance of maintaining unity, harmony, and concord within Indonesia's diverse populace. "With zikir we cultivate the heart, with prayer we knock on heaven's door, and with work and dedication we build the earth," Nasaruddin stated, noting the presence of approximately 100,000 attendees from various backgrounds united in prayer for the country.

The ceremony further featured interfaith prayers led by six prominent religious figures, each offering supplications according to their respective beliefs. This collective act symbolized gratitude for the blessings of independence and expressed hopes for continued peace, unity, and the realization of national aspirations. The event culminated with a rendition of the "Selawat Kebangsaan" (National Praise) led by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf, drawing a massive congregation at Monas.

Around 100,000 participants in the zikir and prayer tonight come from various regions, from various religions, praying together for the country.

— KH Nasaruddin UmarThe Minister of Religious Affairs highlighted the broad participation and unity at the event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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