MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, CHINA – Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in a country where Muslims are a minority can be challenging, but Indonesians in China continue to embrace the holiday with enthusiasm.
Zanuwar Hakim, Chairperson of theMuhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) of China, shared his experience of this year’s Eid al-Fitr celebration.
“This year, we performed the Eid prayer at Songji Mosque in Changchun, Jilin Province. After the prayer, we gathered for a halal bihalal, led by the imam and joined by the local Muslim community,” he said.
Being far from home makes the holiday feel different, but the sense of togetherness among Indonesian expatriates and local Muslims creates a strong bond. For many, this shared experience makes Eid al-Fitr in China just as meaningful.
Zanuwar also observed a unique tradition during this year’s celebration.
“Before the prayer, the mosque’s imam and administrators raised the Chinese flag and sang the national anthem. Also, takbir and other religious activities are done inside the mosque due to China’s strict religious regulations,” he explained.
Eid al-Fitr in Shanghai
In Shanghai, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated with equal warmth. Abd. Muin, Chairperson of the Indonesian Muslim Association (Permusim) in Shanghai, described how the local Indonesian community marked the occasion.
According to Muin, the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Shanghai hosted an open house event for the holiday.
“Alhamdulillah, KJRI and our organization (Permusim) worked together to organize Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Shanghai,” he said.
Despite being a minority, the Indonesian Muslim community in China remains strong. They continue to uphold their traditions by working together with local Muslims to organize prayers, gatherings, and halal bihalal events. Their efforts ensure that Eid al-Fitr remains a special and joyful occasion, even far from home.
