Wakil Menteri Agama Romo Muhammad Syafi’i has expressed a profound hope for a unified commencement of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE. He stated his wish for the sacred month to begin on the same date across Indonesia, even as diverse methodologies for determining the start of the Hijri month are acknowledged.
“Indeed, there are perspectives rooted in hisab, which relies on astronomical calculations. Conversely, there’s the rukyat viewpoint, focused on the physical sighting of the new moon. Furthermore, a combined approach known as rukyat al-hisab integrates both sighting and calculation,” Romo Syafi’i elucidated in Tegal Regency on Monday, February 16.
He acknowledged that these distinct scientific and theological approaches inherently carry the potential for disparate outcomes. However, he highlighted that in previous years, such methodological differences did not invariably lead to separate declarations of the holy month’s start. “While varying scientific disciplines might indeed yield different results, in past years, despite diverse approaches, the outcomes have sometimes aligned,” he remarked, underscoring a precedent for unity.
Romo Syafi’i passionately conveyed his aspiration for this year to echo such unity, encompassing determinations by the government, Muhammadiyah, and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). “Could it be the same this year? I believe that is the shared hope of us all,” he affirmed, reflecting a collective desire for harmony in marking the holy month.
In a related development, Romo Syafi’i confirmed that the crucial sidang isbat, or confirmation hearing, remains scheduled to proceed as planned on Tuesday, February 17. “For now, God willing, what is certain is that tomorrow afternoon we will hold the sidang isbat in Jakarta,” he announced, signaling the impending official determination.
This significant event, the sidang isbat, is meticulously conducted to ascertain the position of the hilal (new moon) across the vast expanse of Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke. The precise data gathered from this comprehensive observation is then utilized to officially determine the commencement of Ramadan.
Notably, Muhammadiyah’s Tarjih and Tajdid Council has already finalized its decision, declaring that 1 Ramadan 1447 H will fall on February 18, 2026. This pronouncement has been formally documented in letter Number 01/MLM/I.1/B/2026, establishing their official stance well in advance.
It is important to mention that Muhammadiyah had initially set 1 Ramadan for February 19, 2026. However, following a thorough re-evaluation of global astronomical data and a stringent validation against the parameters of the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT), the decision was revised. Consequently, the council definitively established that 1 Ramadan 1447 H will commence on Wednesday Legi, February 18, 2026 CE.
Summary
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafi’i expressed a strong hope for a unified start to Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE across Indonesia. He acknowledged diverse methodologies, such as hisab (astronomical calculation) and rukyat (moon sighting), which can lead to different outcomes. Nevertheless, he noted that past years have sometimes seen aligned declarations despite these varied scientific approaches, inspiring an aspiration for similar unity this year among the government, Muhammadiyah, and Nahdlatul Ulama.
The crucial sidang isbat (confirmation hearing) is scheduled for February 17 to officially determine the start of Ramadan by ascertaining the hilal (new moon) position throughout Indonesia. Separately, Muhammadiyah’s Tarjih and Tajdid Council has already declared 1 Ramadan 1447 H to be February 18, 2026. This decision was a revision from an initial February 19 date, following a re-evaluation of global astronomical data against the Single Global Hijri Calendar.