Santri EN – Differences in determining the start of Ramadan have once again emerged in Indonesia jamaah Aolia in Gunung Kidul begins fasting early, Yogyakarta, began their fasting on Thursday, March 7th, while the government and the majority of Muslims in Indonesia will begin theirs on Saturday, March 11th.
This difference arises because Jamaah Aolia utilizes the hisab hakiki method to determine the beginning of Ramadan, while the government and most Muslims follow the results of the isbat ruling, which combines both hisab and rukyat methods.
In response, the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has called on Muslims to respect one another’s choices in determining the start of Ramadan. Kasubdit Hisab Rukyat and Syariah Development at Kemenag, Ismail Fahmi, emphasized that differences are inevitable and should be approached with tolerance.
“Gunungkidul started tarawih prayers on March 7th, meaning they will celebrate Eid earlier. This is a belief that deserves mutual respect,” stated Ismail at the BRIN office in Central Jakarta on Friday, March 8th.
Kemenag is continuously seeking solutions to minimize conflict arising from these differences. Their efforts include facilitating inter-organizational dialogue and utilizing the MABIMS (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Ministers) agreement, which aims to combine the hisab and rukyat methods.
“The effort for unification? We certainly hope for it, but we leave the final decision to Allah. We continuously engage in dialogue with various Muslim organizations. The diversity is indeed a reality,” he said.
Echoing Ismail’s sentiment, Prof. Thomas Djamaludin, a leading researcher at the Center for Astronomy Research, explained how the government utilizes the MABIMS agreement to find common ground.
“At least with the mainstream hisab rukyat method, we continuously strive for a common ground. The MABIMS criteria serve as a meeting point between the rukyat and hisab methods. The rukyat method is used to establish criteria that can be adopted by the hisab method; that’s the common ground we’ve achieved,” he said.
Nonetheless, Professor Djamaludin acknowledges and respects the right of some organizations to deviate from this established practice. The government, according to him, will continue to engage with all parties to ensure a unified and peaceful start and end to the fasting period for the Muslim community.
“There might be groups who choose not to follow this common ground, and we respect that too. Differences do exist,” he concluded.
The difference in determining the start of Ramadan is a testament to the rich culture and traditions of Islam in Indonesia. Muslims in Indonesia are encouraged to approach these differences with wisdom and tolerance, ensuring Ramadan becomes a time to strengthen national unity and solidarity.
Jamaah Aolia: Differences of Opinion and Tolerance
Disagreements regarding the start of Ramadan are nothing new in Indonesia. These discrepancies have existed for a long time and have always been resolved through deliberation and consensus.
In 2024, differences have surfaced once again. Muhammadiyah, a major Islamic organization, has declared the beginning of Ramadan 1445 Hijri to fall on Monday, March 11th. Conversely, the government, following the isbat ruling, will make its announcement on Friday, March 10th.
These variations stem from the chosen methods: Muhammadiyah employs the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method, while the government relies on hisab rukyat.
Hisab hakiki wujudul hilal is an astronomical calculation method based on the positions of the moon and the sun. Hisab rukyat, on the other hand, combines astronomical calculations with direct observation of the moon.
Both methods have strong scientific backing and are recognized by Islamic scholars. Therefore, differing opinions on the start of Ramadan are understandable and deserve respect.
Muslims in Indonesia are expected to approach these variations with wisdom and tolerance. Mutual respect and appreciation for others’ viewpoints are key to maintaining national unity and cohesion.
Jamaah Aolia: Efforts to Unify the Start of Ramadan
The government has undertaken various initiatives to unify the determination of Ramadan’s beginning in Indonesia. One such effort involves establishing the Hisab Rukyat Team, tasked with conducting astronomical calculations and direct lunar observations.
This team comprises astronomy experts, Islamic scholars, and specialists from relevant institutions. The isbat ruling issued by the Hisab Rukyat Team serves as the government’s reference point for declaring the start of Ramadan.
Despite this, some communities still choose not to follow the isbat ruling. This is primarily due to the different methods used for determining the beginning of Ramadan.
The government continues to strive for dialogue and engagement with various groups to reach an agreement on establishing the start of Ramadan.
Jamaah Aolia: Maintaining Unity and Solidarity During Ramadan
Ramadan is a blessed and merciful month. It presents an opportunity to strengthen faith and devotion to Allah SWT.
Differences regarding the start of Ramadan should not become a source of division. Muslims in Indonesia must stand united and respect each other’s practices during the fasting period.
Let us make this Ramadan a time to solidify national unity and solidarity. With a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, we can create a peaceful and prosperous Indonesia.
