Differences in the Determination of the Start of Ramadan 2025 in Indonesia

Jakarta – The determination of the start of Ramadan in Indonesia always attracts attention, given the differences in the methods used by the government and various Islamic organizations in the country. Here is a summary of how the start of Ramadan 2025 will be determined based on the government, Muhammadiyah, An-Nadzir, as well as predictions from BRIN.

1. Government (Kemenag RI)

The government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) RI, is expected to set 1 Ramadan 1446 H on March 1, 2025. However, this date is still an estimate and may change after the sidang isbat (the official decree) held on February 28, 2025. In this session, results from astronomical calculations (hisab) and the moon-sighting observations (rukyatul hilal) from across Indonesia will be presented. The sidang isbat will be led by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar at the H M Rasjidi Auditorium in Jakarta.

2. BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency)

BRIN has also predicted that 1 Ramadan 1446 H will fall on March 1, 2025. Based on an analysis of the moon’s position during Maghrib on February 28, 2025, the moon will meet the criteria set by MABIMS (Ministers of Religious Affairs from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore), which is used to determine the start of fasting. BRIN states that on that date, the moon will already be at a height of 4.5° and an elongation of 6.4°, which satisfies MABIMS’ criteria for the beginning of Ramadan.

3. Muhammadiyah

Muhammadiyah has already established that 1 Ramadan 1446 H will fall on March 1, 2025 through a circular letter from the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership. Using the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method, Muhammadiyah sets the start of Ramadan without needing moon sighting. This decision is based on astronomical calculations conducted by the Muhammadiyah Tarjih and Tajdid Assembly.

Muhammadiyah’s schedule for Ramadan, Syawal, and Zulhijah 1446 H:

1 Ramadan 1446 H: Saturday, March 1, 2025
1 Syawal 1446 H (Idul Fitri): Monday, March 31, 2025
1 Zulhijah 1446 H: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
9 Zulhijah 1446 H (Day of Arafah): Thursday, June 5, 2025
10 Zulhijah 1446 H (Idul Adha): Friday, June 6, 2025

4. An-Nadzir

Jamaah An-Nadzir, following the teachings of KH Syamsuri Abdul Madjid, has decided to begin fasting on February 28, 2025. However, they state that the full observance of Ramadan will start on March 1, 2025. This decision is based on their calculations and moon observations according to specific criteria, as taught by their scholars and leaders.

5. Potential Differences in Government’s Decision

While most parties predict the start of Ramadan to be on March 1, 2025, there is a possibility that the government may declare 1 Ramadan to fall on March 2, 2025, due to the potential failure of moon sighting on February 28, 2025.

Why Are There Differences?

The differences in determining the start of Ramadan in Indonesia are usually caused by the various methods used. Some Islamic organizations, like Muhammadiyah, use hisab (astronomical calculations) independently to determine the start of the month, while the government and most other organizations combine hisab with moon-sighting (rukyatul hilal). These differences arise from varying interpretations of religious texts (nash) and the approaches to Islamic jurisprudence (istinbath). It is common and acceptable for differences in fiqh (Islamic law) to occur.

Conclusion

The differences in determining the start of Ramadan in Indonesia are normal and occur frequently. These differences are due to variations in the methods used to calculate the start of the month, whether by astronomical calculations or moon sighting. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal remains the same: to begin the month of fasting with gratitude and peace.

I hope this information helps in understanding the differences in determining the start of Ramadan and provides guidance for Muslims as they begin fasting for Ramadan 1446 H.