Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s second largest Islamic organization Muhammadiyah, based on its astronomical calculation, has decided the beginning of the fasting month, or 1 Ramadan year 1439 Hegira/2018 AD, to be on May 17.

Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nasir, stated that the determination of 1 Ramadan was done in order to be a guide for Muhammadiyah citizens. The guide is important for Muhammadiyah citizens to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1439 Hegira and other religious festivals, as per the information received here on Tuesday.

Based on the statement, 1 Shawwal or Idul Fitri Day 2018 will be on June 15 (Friday). Then, 1 Zulhijah this year will coincide with Aug 13 (Monday). Therefore, the Day of Arafa or 9 Zulhijah will coincide with Aug 21 (Tuesday).

Arafat Day has become a reference for Muslims to implement sunna Arafat fast before Eid Al-Adha. Furthermore, Eid al-Adha 10 Zulhijah will be held on Aug 22 (Wednesday).

Muhammadiyah usually announces the dates of the early fasting, Eid Al-Fitr, and Eid Al-Adha, preceded by the government`s decision. This is because Muhammadiyah has its own method of establishing religious festivities using the exact calculation of astronomy or celestial sphere.

Institutions in Muhammadiyah in charge of astronomical calculations of Islamic religious days are the Majelis Tarjih and Tajdid PP Muhammadiyah.

Meanwhile, the government determines the big religious day of Islam after hearing session or stipulation followed by a number of mass organizations and agency representatives, including Muhammadiyah.

The isbat session consider the calculation of hisab and also use the moon method (rukyat). Both calculations are combined to be the basis for the determination of Islamic religious festivities.

On the occasion, General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu`ti would often ask the public to appreciate the method of determining religious festivities.

Both the government and Muhammadiyah have a strong argument for the establishment of religious days, such as the beginning of fasting and Eid.

Reported by Anom Prihantoro
(T.KR-TQA/INE)
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/A014)

Reporter: SYSTEM
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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