Sopian Hadi, Denpasar – Muslims in Denpasar, Bali performed Maghrib and Isha prayers on Thursday evening without loudspeakers and with limited lighting, in observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi.

Worshippers walked to nearby mosques to avoid vehicle noise that could disrupt the island-wide day of reflection, when most activities are halted. At the Baiturrahmah Grand Mosque in Denpasar, prayers were conducted in a subdued atmosphere with minimal illumination, in line with guidelines set by the Bali Interfaith Harmony Forum.

"We continue to respect one another by not using loudspeakers and keeping lighting to a minimum inside the mosque. Worshippers also come on foot. We respect the Nyepi atmosphere because we have long lived in Bali and value local culture," said Abdul Malik, a spokesperson for the mosque.

Nyepi, observed by Bali's Hindu majority, is marked by silence, fasting, and meditation, with restrictions on travel, work, and entertainment across the island.

At the same time, Muslims are observing the fasting month of Ramadan and preparing for Eid al-Fitr, which the government has set to fall on Saturday, March 21. The mosque also held Tarawih prayers during the evening. Followers of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations, are marking Eid a day earlier on Friday, March 20.

"The atmosphere of worship is a bit different because it coincides with Nyepi. But we respect our neighbors who are observing the holy day," said Sadami, a local Muslim resident who attended the mosque not only for prayers but also to pay zakat, a key obligation during Ramadan.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/bali-muslims-pray-without-loudspeakers-to-respect-nyep