Banda Aceh, Aceh, Feb. 18 -- Members of Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Islamic organization, began fasting for Ramadan 1447 Hijri on Wednesday, a day earlier than the government's official start.

In Aceh province, followers performed their first Tarawih prayers on Tuesday night at four mosques and prayer halls in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital.

"This time, Muhammadiyah is again observing the start of Ramadan differently from other Muslims," preacher Al Yasa' Abubakar told worshippers at Taqwa Mosque in Banda Aceh.

Muhammadiyah set 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijri as Wednesday, Feb. 18, under official decrees issued by its central leadership and its Tarjih and Tajdid Council.

The government, following an isbat meeting, declared Ramad...