SANTRI EN – Isbat Session the determination of the beginning of Ramadan is always a moment that Muslims in Indonesia look forward to. This year, the potential for differences in the start of fasting has emerged again, similar to what happened in previous years.
The government, through the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag), will hold the Isbat Session for the Determination of the Beginning of Ramadan 1445 Hijriah on March 10, 2024. This Isbat Session will determine the beginning of the month of Ramadan based on the results of rukyatul hilal and hisab.
“This Isbat Session is one of the religious services for the community to obtain certainty regarding the implementation of worship,” said the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at Kemenag, Kamaruddin Amin.
Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah has set 1 Ramadan 1445 Hijriah on March 11, 2024. This determination is based on the Hisab Wujudul Hilal Hakiki method used by Muhammadiyah.
Based on the analysis results of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), there is a potential for differences in the start of Ramadan 2024. This is due to the height of the crescent moon in Indonesia which is still very small on March 10, 2024.
“The height of the crescent moon in Indonesia when the sun sets on March 10, 2024 ranges from -0.33 degrees in Jayapura, Papua to 0.87 degrees in Tua Pejat, West Sumatra,” explained the Coordinator of the BMKG Time Sign Division, Himawan Widiyanto.
According to Himawan, for those who apply rukyat, the crescent moon must be visible above the horizon with a minimum height of 2 degrees. Meanwhile, for those who apply hisab, there are several criteria that must be met, such as a minimum crescent height of 3 degrees, a minimum elongation of 6.4 degrees, and a minimum moon age of 8 hours.
This potential difference in the start of Ramadan 2024 is a reminder of the importance of dialogue and coordination between various stakeholders, including Kemenag, Muhammadiyah, and other Islamic organizations. This is to realize the unity and solidarity of Muslims in welcoming the holy month of Ramadan.
Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas emphasized that the government always prioritizes the principle of caution and thoroughness in determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan.
“The government will always be open and receptive to input from various parties in order to realize a comprehensive determination of the beginning of Ramadan that reflects the togetherness of Muslims in Indonesia,” said Minister Yaqut.
Muslims in Indonesia are expected to continue to follow the latest information updates regarding the Isbat Session and respect the decision made by the government.
Differences in Determining the Beginning of Ramadan/ Isbat Session
Differences in determining the beginning of Ramadan in Indonesia are not new. This has happened several times in recent years. This difference certainly raises questions and concerns among Muslims, especially regarding unity and solidarity in carrying out worship.
There are several factors that cause differences in determining the beginning of Ramadan, including:
Determination Method:
- Rukyat: Based on observation of the crescent moon on the western horizon after sunset.
- Hisab: Based on astronomical calculations.
Hisab Criteria:
- The criteria used by Kemenag and Muhammadiyah are different.
- The criteria for hisab are still a matter of debate among scholars.
Geographic Conditions:
- Indonesia has a vast territory with different sunset times.
- This can affect the visibility of the crescent moon.
Efforts to Bridge Differences
Although there are differences in determining the beginning of Ramadan, it is important for Muslims to maintain unity and solidarity. Here are some efforts that can be made:
Dialogue and Coordination:
- The importance of dialogue and coordination between various stakeholders, including Kemenag, Muhammadiyah, and other Islamic organizations.
- This is to realize a comprehensive determination of the beginning of Ramadan that reflects the togetherness of Muslims in Indonesia.
Mutual Respect:
- Muslims are expected to respect differences of opinion and decisions made by each party.
- An attitude of tolerance and mutual respect is the key to maintaining unity among the people.
Increased Understanding:
- There is a need for education and increased public understanding of the methods for determining the beginning of Ramadan and the criteria for hisab used.
- This can be done through various media, such as lectures, seminars, and publications.
Differences in determining the beginning of Ramadan are a reality that must be faced wisely. Efforts to bridge differences and
