The chairman of Muhammadiyah\u2019s central leadership, Haedar Nashir, has\ncalled on Muslims not to become embroiled in technical debates over the\ndiffering dates for the start of Ramadan fasting this year.<\/p>\n
Muhammadiyah will begin its first day of Ramadan fasting on\nWednesday, 18 February 2026. Haedar urged all Muslims to respond to the\ndifference with wisdom and a spirit of tolerance.<\/p>\n
According to Haedar, the diversity in determining the start of\nRamadan falls within the realm of ijtihad (independent reasoning) and\nshould not trigger mutual blame or a sense of self-righteousness among\ndifferent groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese differences must be addressed wisely and prudently, as the\nprimary purpose of fasting is to enhance the quality of taqwa (piety),\nboth individually and collectively,\u201d Haedar said on Tuesday, 17 February\n2026.<\/p>\n
Haedar also invited every Muslim to shift their focus towards\nsubstantive matters \u2014 namely how fasting can help achieve true piety.\nThis can be realised through obedience in carrying out God\u2019s\ncommandments, avoiding prohibitions, and bringing about the highest good\nin life.<\/p>\n
With intelligence and strong faith, he expressed optimism that\nMuslims would be able to attain a higher degree of nobility without\nbeing distracted by the commotion surrounding differences over the start\nof Ramadan.<\/p>\n
Haedar expressed his hope that Ramadan 1447 H would serve as a moment\nto improve daily conduct and public morality for every individual. He\nurged that the observance be carried out with calm, peace and mature\ncharacter in order to form excellent Muslims.<\/p>\n
Haedar reminded that in a broader context, Ramadan is expected to\nenhance spiritual quality whilst simultaneously deepening mastery of\nknowledge beneficial to humanity. Should the quality of the Muslim\ncommunity fail to improve significantly, he warned that glory and\ndignity in creating an advanced civilisation would be difficult to\nachieve.<\/p>\n
Beyond the spiritual dimension, Haedar also highlighted the economic\naspect, which he said still requires hard work and earnestness so that\nMuslims do not become fatalistic or simply resign themselves to\nfate.<\/p>\n
\u201cFasting should serve as practical training for the community to live\nmore efficiently, modestly and frugally \u2014 values which are the\nfoundation of economic progress needed to be on par with other\ncivilisations in the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Religious Affairs conducted observations of the\nRamadan 1447 H new moon (hilal) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at 96\nlocations across Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The deputy chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI), KH M\nCholil Nafis, noted that the start of Ramadan 1447 H was likely to\ndiffer among Indonesian Muslims. Cholil called on the community to\nrespond maturely.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is almost certain that there will be differences in beginning\nRamadan. Some have already determined the start of Ramadan as 18\nFebruary, as they use astronomical calculations as well as the global\ncalendar,\u201d Cholil said.<\/p>\n
The isbat session was to be attended by various parties, including\nambassadors from friendly nations, the chairman of House of\nRepresentatives Commission VIII, representatives from the Supreme Court,\nthe Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI), the Meteorology, Climatology and\nGeophysics Agency (BMKG), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), the\nNational Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Bosscha Observatory\nat ITB, the Jakarta Planetarium, astronomical experts from various\nIslamic organisations, leaders of Islamic community organisations,\nIslamic boarding schools, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs\u2019 Hisab\nRukyat Team.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/muhammadiyah-calls-for-tolerance-over-differing-ramadan-start-dates-1771395090", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }