Indonesia’s Muhammadiyah Declares March 31, 2025, as 1 Shawwal 1446 H

Jakarta, Indonesia – Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations with millions of followers, has announced that 1 Shawwal 1446 H, marking Eid al-Fitr, will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025.This announcement, while seemingly straightforward, signals a significant shift in how this major organization determines Islamic dates, a move that could resonate within the diverse Muslim community in the United States and worldwide.

The initial determination was made using the Wujudul Hilal method, a conventional practice that relies on specific astronomical criteria for the new month to begin. Dr. Khan, a leading expert in Islamic astronomy, explains, “The Wujudul Hilal method, meaning the ‘presence of the crescent,’ applies astronomical criteria for the new month to begin. The criteria are as follows: First, the ijtimak (or conjunction) must occur before sunset. Second, the moon must set after the sun. Third, the moon’s upper limb must be above the local horizon at sunset. If all of these conditions are met, the new month begins.”

In the case of the Eid al-Fitr announcement, the ijtimak occurred on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Though,observations from Yogyakarta indicated that the moon’s position was below the horizon at sunset. “As of the moon’s position,the Wujudul Hilal method resulted in a completion of Ramadan to thirty days,thus announcing March 31 as the start of Eid al-Fitr,” Dr. Khan clarifies.

End of an Era: Muhammadiyah Adopts the Single Global Hijri Calendar

Beyond the specific date announcement, the more significant development is Muhammadiyah’s decision to adopt the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT). This represents a major departure from relying solely on local moon sightings and embraces a standardized, calculation-based approach.

“The Single Global hijri Calendar (KHGT) represents a significant move toward standardization,” Dr. Khan emphasizes. “Unlike the Wujudul Hilal,KHGT treats the entire Earth as a single entity. This calendar uses astronomical calculations to determine the start of each Hijri month, eliminating the need for local moon sightings. The goal is to synchronize the begining of months and the celebration of Islamic holidays across the globe.”

The KHGT calendar employs complex calculations based on fundamental astronomical principles, offering several key advantages:

• Eliminates Disputes: Removes subjectivity in the visibility of the moon.
• Promotes International Unity: Facilitates shared observances on a global scale.
• Modern Approach: Uses science and technology for religious dates.

This shift reflects a growing trend within some segments of the Muslim world to reconcile traditional practices with modern scientific understanding.It’s a move that aims to foster greater unity and predictability in the observance of Islamic holidays.

The Meaning of moon Sighting in Islam: A U.S. Perspective

For Muslims in the United States, the determination of Islamic dates has always been a multifaceted issue. The U.S. Muslim community, a tapestry of diverse ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and interpretations of Islamic law, has traditionally relied on a combination of local moon sightings, reports from other regions, and astronomical calculations.

The debate between relying on physical moon sightings versus astronomical calculations is not new. Some American Muslims strictly adhere to the traditional practice of sighting the new crescent moon with the naked eye, believing it to be a direct commandment from religious texts. others accept astronomical calculations as a valid and reliable method, notably in an age of advanced technology.

Muhammadiyah’s shift could significantly influence this debate within the U.S.Muslim community. “The shift by Muhammadiyah could significantly influence this debate; specifically, it provides a model,” Dr. Khan notes. “While some communities in the U.S. currently follow local sightings, and others defer to calculations, the unified approach from a major organization like Muhammadiyah gives increased weight to those advocating calculation-based methods.It will spark more conversation and likely encourage other organizations to reconsider their positions.”

Consider the example of Ramadan. For years, American Muslim communities have often started and ended the month of fasting on different days, leading to a fragmented sense of community. A unified calendar, proponents argue, could help bridge these divides and foster a stronger sense of shared identity.

Understanding the Science Behind Moon Sighting

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning that each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. The visibility of the crescent depends on several factors, including the moon’s position relative to the sun, atmospheric conditions, and the observer’s location.

Astronomical calculations can accurately predict the position of the moon and the likelihood of it being visible from a particular location. These calculations take into account factors such as the time of the new moon, the moon’s altitude above the horizon at sunset, and the amount of sunlight reflected by the moon.

However, even with accurate calculations, the actual sighting of the moon can be challenging. Factors such as clouds, haze, and light pollution can obscure the crescent, making it difficult to see with the naked eye. This is why some Muslims prefer to rely on reports from other regions where the moon has been sighted, while others advocate for the use of telescopes or other instruments to aid in the sighting process.

Practical Implications and Future Outlook

The adoption of a unified Islamic calendar could have significant practical implications for Muslims in the United states. It could simplify the planning of religious holidays, facilitate coordination between mosques and Islamic organizations, and promote a greater sense of unity within the community.

“The advantages are numerous and compelling,” Dr. Khan states. “First and foremost, it promotes global unity. It is indeed simpler and supports shared observances.Consider this: Muslims around the world, irrespective of their location, will be observing religious events on the same dates. The shared experience strengthens the sense of community. It is indeed also a step toward simplifying planning. Because the dates will be known in advance, businesses and religious organizers can plan in advance. The adoption of the KHGT reflects a willingness to embrace scientific advancements in determining religious observances, aligning religious practice with the realities of the modern world.”

Such as,knowing the dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr well in advance would allow Muslim employees to request time off from work with greater certainty. It would also enable Islamic schools and community centers to plan events and activities more effectively.

However, the transition to a unified calendar is not without it’s challenges.”Some Muslims may feel that the calendar is not in accordance with traditional beliefs, emphasizing the importance of physical moon sighting as an essential component of Islamic faith,” dr. Khan cautions. “Indeed, some groups value the local practices of visual determination over technological computations. It is very likely that differences in opinion and practice will persist. This is why it’s critically critically importent to keep a conversation going as dialog, respect, and understanding are critical for a positive transition.”

Ultimately, the future of moon sighting and astronomical calculation in determining Islamic dates will depend on the willingness of Muslims to engage in open and respectful dialogue. It will require a balance between preserving traditional practices and embracing modern scientific advancements.

Global Unity or Tradition? Decoding Muhammadiyah’s Bold Move to a Unified Islamic Calendar

Muhammadiyah’s decision to embrace the Single Global hijri Calendar is a microcosm of a larger debate within the Muslim world: how to reconcile tradition with modernity. While the organization sees this move as a step towards greater unity and efficiency, it also acknowledges the potential for resistance from those who prioritize the traditional practice of moon sighting.

The key to a prosperous transition, according to experts, lies in fostering open communication and mutual respect. It’s about finding common ground and recognizing that different approaches to determining Islamic dates can coexist.

As dr.Khan concludes, “The future is highly likely to be defined by continued dialogue and a spectrum of approaches.While organizations like Muhammadiyah are endorsing the Single Global Hijri Calendar, it’s unlikely that the debate will disappear overnight. The long-term vision should be one of unity and coherence. We can achieve this through ongoing discussion, mutual respect for diverse beliefs, and a consistent strive toward ensuring shared religious practices.”

The move by Muhammadiyah is sure to provoke discussion both within and outside the Muslim community. What are your thoughts on this change? Are you in favor of astronomical calculation or moon sighting? Share your views in the comments below.