REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The general chairman of the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), Din Syamsuddin, has called on Muslims to participate in the national Islamic new year celebration at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) stadium on Sunday.

"I appeal to all Muslims to participate in the celebration of the Islamic new year of Muharram at GBK on Sunday. Bring your friends, relatives, and family members to Gelora Bung Karno, and come in white clothes," he said at the MUI building here on Friday (24/10).

He said the celebration will be proof of the greatness of Muslims in Indonesia and it will also show that it is not inferior to any other new year celebrations.

According to him, fireworks marked all New Year celebrations and even the Chinese New Year has always been celebrated in a festive atmosphere. The younger generation of Muslims has celebrated Saint Valentine's Day more enthusiastically than observing Muharram.

Din appealed to Muslims in the country not to fight over whether celebrating the Hijriah New Year is allowed in Islam or not.

"They need not develop polemic because it will only be a waste of time," he added.

He pointed out that celebrating Islamic New Year was part of Islam's propagation as the occasion will see religious figures giving sermons.

He called on Muslims who would come for the celebrations to wear white, as white reflects Islam's holiness.

Asked whether President Joko Widodo will attend the celebrations or not, he said he was uncertain about it.

"President Jokowi had personally told me he was eager to come but, just now, the state secretariat told me that his presence cannot be confirmed yet," he noted.

Din stated he could understand the situation as the President was still busy preparing his cabinet.

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