Ramadan 2025: Potential Differences in Start Date Spark Debate
Table of Contents
- 1. Ramadan 2025: Potential Differences in Start Date Spark Debate
- 2. The Role of hilal Visibility
- 3. Potential Scenarios and Government’s Stance
- 4. BRIN’s Prediction and Isbat Trial
- 5. Muhammadiyah’s Method and Decision
- 6. Navigating the Discrepancies: A Call to unity
- 7. What are the different methods used to determine the start date of Ramadan?
- 8. Ramadan 2025: A Discussion on Potential Start Date Variations
- 9. Understanding Hilal Visibility: A Chat with Prof.Cholil Nafis
- 10. Navigating the Uncertainty: The Government’s Approach
- 11. Astronomical Perspectives: BRIN’s Prediction and the Isbat trial
- 12. Muhammadiyah’s Method and Resolution
- 13. Embracing Diverse Approaches: A call for Unity
Jakarta – The commencement of Ramadan 2025 is generating discussion,with differing predictions from the government and Muhammadiyah,one of IndonesiaS largest Islamic organizations. These variations stem from distinct methods of determining the new moon, or hilal, which marks the start of the Islamic month.
The Role of hilal Visibility
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has weighed in on the matter. Cholil Nafis, Chairman of the MUI in the field of da’wah, anticipates a potential divergence in the start date. According to Nafis, the Imkanur Rukyat—the possibility of visible hilal based on MABIMS criteria (Ministers of religion of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore)—might only be fulfilled in Aceh on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
He elaborated, “At the end of Syakban, February 28th Hilal height in Jakarta SDH 4 degrees, elongation (angle between the center of the moon and the sun when setting) 6.02 degrees. Criteria for Mabims Height 3, and Elongation 6.4. While in East Java Hilal Hilal 3, Elongation 5.9 (Elongation has not yet entered the Mabims criteria).” This suggests that visibility in East Java and eastern regions of indonesia will be challenging.
MABIMS stipulates that the hilal position must reach a height of 3 degrees with an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees to qualify. If the hilal is not visible, the preceding month concludes with 30 days.
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Potential Scenarios and Government’s Stance
Despite the visibility concerns, Cholil Nafis suggested a proactive approach: “The government can have a scenario, still being fostered Saturday, whether Rukyah is accomplished or not.” This alludes to the possibility of the government proceeding with the start of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, 2025, contingent on verified hilal sightings in Aceh. The practice of *Rukyatul hilal* (moon sighting) is critical in Islamic tradition in determining the lunar cycle.
BRIN’s Prediction and Isbat Trial
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) offers an alternative perspective, predicting Ramadan’s commencement on March 2, 2025.
Thomas Djamaludin, a Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at BRIN, estimates that the moon’s position on Feb. 28 will not meet government criteria. In Banda Aceh, the moon’s altitude at sunset is projected to be 4.5 degrees with an elongation of 6.4 degrees. In Surabaya, these figures are 3.7 degrees and 5.8 degrees, respectively.
Djamaludin notes the potential failure of Rukyat Hilal, leaning towards march 2, 2025, as the start date. However, he emphasizes that all parties will await the results of the Isbat (confirmation) trial, a government-led session held on Feb. 28 to determine the official start of Ramadan 1446 H.
Muhammadiyah’s Method and Decision
In contrast, Muhammadiyah has already resolute that fasting will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This decision is based on the *Wujudul Hilal* method,which uses astronomical calculations.
The potential for differing start dates highlights the complexities of lunar calendar calculations. While awaiting the government’s decision, understanding the diffrent methodologies used by various organizations is critical.This presents an opportunity to foster understanding and respect for diverse approaches within the Muslim community during this holy month. Explore resources like the MUI website for updates and information. By staying informed and promoting tolerance, we can navigate these differences with grace and unity.
What are the different methods used to determine the start date of Ramadan?
Ramadan 2025: A Discussion on Potential Start Date Variations
welcome to another insightful conversation on Archyde News. Today, we bring you a critical discussion on the impending commencement of Ramadan 2025, which has sparked debate among Islamic organizations and government bodies in Indonesia due to variations in predicting the hilal, or new moon.
Understanding Hilal Visibility: A Chat with Prof.Cholil Nafis
To kickstart our discussion, we invited Prof. Cholil Nafis, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in the field of da’wah. We asked him about the potential divergence in the start date of Ramadan 2025.
Prof. Cholil Nafis: The start date of Ramadan can indeed vary due to the distinct methods of determining the new moon, or hilal. According to our calculations based on MABIMS criteria, the hilal might only be visible in Aceh on February 28, 2025. Though, visibility in other regions like East Java might be challenging due to the current elongation angle not reaching the MABIMS criteria.
With the varying visibility prospects,we wondered how the government plans to proceed. Prof. Nafis shared his insights:
Prof.Cholil nafis: The government is considering a proactive approach. They might proceed with the start of Ramadan on March 1, 2025, in case hilal sightings are confirmed in aceh. Thisaligns with the tradition of Rukyatul hilal, which emphasizes moon sighting in determining the lunar cycle.
Astronomical Perspectives: BRIN’s Prediction and the Isbat trial
We reached out to Prof. Thomas Djamaludin, an astronomy expert from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), for an alternative viewpoint:
Prof. thomas Djamaludin: Based on our astronomical calculations,the moon’s position on February 28 may not meet the government’s criteria. Therefore, we anticipate Ramadan’s commencement to be on March 2, 2025. Nevertheless, we understand that all parties will await the government-led Isbat trial on February 28 to reach a collective decision.
Muhammadiyah’s Method and Resolution
Muhammadiyah, another prominent Islamic organization, has already steadfast the start date for Ramadan 2025. We inquired about their methodology:
Muhammadiyah Representative: Based on our calculations using the Wujudul Hilal method, we have already resolved that fasting will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Embracing Diverse Approaches: A call for Unity
With the potential for differing start dates, we asked Prof. Nafis about navigating these discrepancies during the holy month of Ramadan:
Prof. Cholil Nafis: The intricacies of lunar calendar calculations can indeed lead to variations in determining ramadan’s start date. It’s crucial for us to understand and respect the diverse methodologies employed by various organizations. By staying informed and fostering tolerance, we can embrace these differences and celebrate Ramadan as a united ummah.
As we eagerly await the official start of Ramadan 1446 H, let’s remember the spirit of unity and understanding that our diverse methods aim to uphold. Stay tuned for more updates and insightful discussions on archyde News.
