Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Chairman Anwar Iskandar has urged\ncitizens to respect differences following the determination of 1 Ramadan\n1447 Hijriah.<\/p>\n
Anwar made the appeal at a press conference after the isbat session\nto determine 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijriah at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, on\nTuesday (17 February) evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur nation is one composed of diverse backgrounds. This is an\ninevitability. An inevitability as a nation founded on Bhinneka Tunggal\nIka [Unity in Diversity], including among Muslims,\u201d said Anwar.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, he continued, there are more than 80 Islamic mass\norganisations. These organisational differences make it possible for\nthere to be varying forms of worship and religious practice.<\/p>\n
However, Anwar viewed these differences as pertaining only to matters\nof ijtihad (interpretive reasoning) or technical issues, whilst on\nmatters of qath\u2019i (definitive rulings) all are in agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, the possibility of beginning or ending the fast on\ndifferent dates is an inevitability that we can understand and accept,\u201d\nhe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what is most important is that our unity as Muslims must always\nbe preserved. Therefore, it is vital to understand and respect one\nanother,\u201d Anwar added.<\/p>\n
As a democratic nation, he said, Indonesian citizens need to accustom\nthemselves to differences. In doing so, such diversity becomes part of a\ndynamic that enriches the treasury of knowledge.<\/p>\n
Anwar also assessed that differences managed well would create a\nbeautiful harmony and ultimately become something important for\nIndonesian unity.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Indonesian unity is a vital part of creating national\nstability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The government has determined that 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijriah falls on 19\nFebruary. The decision was taken because the hilal (crescent moon) was\nnot visible according to visibility criteria during observations\nconducted on that day.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah has determined that the beginning of the fast\nfalls on 18 February.<\/p>\n
This determination uses the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT) as a\nnew method that has become Muhammadiyah\u2019s official reference, replacing\nthe wujudul hilal (existence of the crescent moon) method previously\nused.<\/p>\n
In Muhammadiyah\u2019s view, the implementation of the KHGT requires the\nintegration of three main elements known as the Principle, Condition,\nand Parameter (PSP) framework.<\/p>\n
One important parameter is the fulfilment of the hilal\u2019s position\nafter conjunction with a minimum altitude of 5 degrees and elongation of\n8 degrees anywhere on the Earth\u2019s surface, rather than being limited to\na specific territory.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-announces-ramadan-begins-19-february-mui-urges-respect-for-differences-1771455114", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }