Jakarta — Thousands of Muslims in Jakarta came together on Thursday evening at the Istiqlal Mosque to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Maulid Nabi), with religious leaders and officials highlighting the importance of unity, compassion, and care for others.
The Jakarta branch of Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized that the Prophet’s birthday should inspire Muslims to strengthen their love for the Prophet and follow his noble example.
“Let us make this commemoration a special momentum to love and emulate the morals of Prophet Muhammad even more,” said Adib, Head of the Jakarta Religious Affairs Office, in an official statement on Friday.
He underlined that the Prophet’s teachings — compassion, mutual respect, helping others, and fostering harmony — should continue to guide the Muslim community in daily life, particularly in avoiding division and hostility.
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The celebration, which fell on 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 Hijri, was jointly organized by the ministry and broadcast live online. This year’s event adopted a more inclusive approach, beginning with istighatsah (mass prayers), followed by national prayers, Quran recitations, and a collective dhikr remembrance.
President Prabowo Subianto attended the ceremony, accompanied by senior officials including People’s Consultative Assembly Speaker Ahmad Muzani, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Military Commander General Agus Subiyanto, State Intelligence Agency head M. Herindra, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar.
Theme: Ecotheology and Sustainability
The 2025 Maulid Nabi carried the theme: “Ecotheology: Prophet Muhammad as a Model for the Sustainability of the Earth and Country.”
Organizers explained that this theme connects Islamic values with environmental stewardship and national resilience. It urges Muslims to protect nature and the nation by embodying the Prophet’s principles of compassion, justice, and responsibility.
This year’s commemoration not only honored the Prophet’s birth but also reminded Indonesians of their duty to safeguard humanity and the environment for future generations.
