FRANKFURT | INDATANEWS.COM ~ During Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, the Indonesian Mosque in Frankfurt am Main has launched a comprehensive series of religious activities running from pre-dawn meal (sahur) to sahur the next day. The initiative aims to create a dynamic, structured, and inclusive Ramadan atmosphere for Indonesian nationals and international Muslim communities in Germany.
The 2026 Ramadan program also draws attention for its regular implementation of itikaf, a practice still relatively uncommon in several mosques across Germany.
Read Also: Pertamina Enhances Gas Station Service for Ramadan 1447 H The Indonesian Mosque in Frankfurt currently occupies a room on the second floor of a building. The mosque management plans to purchase a larger, more comprehensive facility to accommodate a greater number of worshippers. (PHOTO: Doc. Purwanti)
Daily Worship from Dawn to Night
According to Tito, head of the mosque's management board, the Ramadan schedule includes a wide range of daily activities. These include itikaf sessions, morning Qur'anic study circles (KIBAS) after Fajr prayer, and evening pre-Maghrib discussions (KARIB).
The mosque also hosts daily iftar gatherings, congregational Tarawih prayers, and a dedicated "Ramadan Garden" program for children. Special events such as the commemoration of Nuzulul Qur'an and Qur'an recitation training for teachers further enrich the spiritual environment.
To expand accessibility, all programs are broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live, allowing participants from different locations to join remotely. Each Ramadan, the mosque also invites a certified Qur'an memorization imam following the Hafs recitation tradition.
Worshippers at Masjid Indonesia Frankfurt brought dishes to share during the iftar gathering with fellow attendees. Most of the menu consisted of traditional Indonesian cuisine. (PHOTO: Doc. Purwanti)
Growing Congregation and Limited Space
Attendance has significantly increased during Ramadan. On weekdays, the mosque welcomes around 70–80 worshippers, while weekend attendance rises to approximately 150 people.
Due to limited capacity, the management has had to regulate entry during peak times. This growing demand has strengthened calls for a larger facility to better accommodate the expanding congregation in the future.
A number of worshippers attended a religious lecture (tausiyah) at Masjid Indonesia Frankfurt, led by an Islamic preacher specially invited to provide religious guidance and instruction. (PHOTO: Doc. Purwanti)
Iftar Tradition and Future Expansion PlansThe mosque has hosted daily communal iftar meals since 2014, following its official establishment. However, earlier traditions dating back to the 1970s limited iftar gatherings to weekends only.
Meals are prepared in a uniquely Indonesian style, with daily menu variations supported by community donations. Volunteers prepare food at home before delivering it to the mosque in the afternoon for distribution.
Currently, the mosque operates within a 240-square-meter office space on the second floor of a building in Frankfurt. Due to complex permitting procedures in Germany, constructing a new mosque could take up to a decade, prompting the community to consider purchasing an existing building instead.
Regular coordination meetings with city authorities aim to strengthen support for future development plans.
Indonesian nationals (WNI) were seen enjoying a warm atmosphere of togetherness during the communal iftar event at Masjid Indonesia Frankfurt in Germany. (PHOTO: Doc. Purwanti)
A Community Hub for Indonesian Muslims in Germany
Beyond Frankfurt, the mosque serves as a key religious and social hub for Indonesian Muslims across Germany, including visitors from cities such as Kiel, Dresden, Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Munich.
The mosque also manages waqf donations dedicated to securing a permanent facility for the community's long-term needs.
Community member Purwanti from Medan highlighted that the mosque's programs not only strengthen religious understanding but also reinforce social ties. The mosque further supports religious conversion ceremonies and works with the Indonesian Consulate in Frankfurt to facilitate Islamic marriage services similar to Indonesia's religious affairs office.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati