Indonesia: Ramadan 1445 Hijri Begins on March 12, 2024
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Religious Affairs officially declared Tuesday, March 12, 2024, as the first day of Ramadan 1445 Hijri and consequently, the initiation of fasting in Indonesia. The confirmation was made during the isbat (confirmation) meeting held in Jakarta.
Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas announced the decision at a press conference following the isbat meeting on Sunday. “The isbat meeting decided that the first day of Ramadan 1445 Hijri will fall on Tuesday,” stated Minister Qoumas, providing clarity on the commencement of the holy month.
With the confirmation of the first day of Ramadan, Indonesian Muslims are now able to begin their evening tarawih prayers on Monday evening.
The isbat meeting, which commenced at 5 p.m. Jakarta time (UTC +7), involved expert presentations on hilal, or new crescent moon, observation, and sightings based on astronomical data. The decision-making process considered information derived from both the hisab method, involving mathematical and astronomical calculations, and the rukyat method, which confirms moon sightings on-site. The meeting included representatives from religious organizations, astronomers, members of the House of Representatives (DPR), and foreign envoys.
In a noteworthy development, the major Muslim organization Muhammadiyah declared the commencement of the month of Ramadan on Monday, one day earlier than the government’s announcement. Muhammadiyah relies on a different method to determine the first day of the lunar month, opting for the visibility of the new moon as their criterion.
While the government adheres to the common criteria of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (MABIMS), which acknowledges a new lunar month after the moon reaches a specific degree over the horizon, Muhammadiyah starts the new month upon the visibility of the new moon. Consequently, members of Muhammadiyah will commence fasting and performing evening tarawih prayers one day ahead of the government’s determined date.
This discrepancy in the start of Ramadan reflects the diverse approaches to moon sighting methodologies within the Islamic community, underlining the rich tapestry of traditions and interpretations.
