BRIN Explains Why Eid al-Fitr 2026 May Fall on Different Dates

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Muslims in Indonesia experienced differences in the start date of Ramadan 1447 Hijri. Will a similar difference also occur in the determination of Eid al-Fitr?

Regarding this, BRIN researcher, Thomas Djamaluddin, explained the potential for differences between the visibility of the new moon (hilal) locally and globally.

In his explanation, the new moon will not meet the MABIMS criteria on 19 March 2026. This means that 1 Shawwal 1447 H will occur on 21 March 2026.

MABIMS requires that the new moon be considered visible if it has a minimum height of 3 degrees and an elongation angle of 6.4 degrees.

He also noted that this certainty will depend on the results of the isbat (confirmation) meeting held by the government through the Ministry of Religion.

“At the time of sunset on 19 March 2026, in the Southeast Asian region, the new moon will not meet the new MABIMS criteria. Therefore, 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri will fall on 21 March 2026, pending the decision of the isbat meeting,” said Thomas, Wednesday (25/2/2024).

Another difference occurs in the KHGT or Global Unified Hijri Calendar category. According to this category, the position of the Moon has met the criteria, and the ijtimak (conjunction) occurred before dawn in New Zealand.

“Therefore, according to the KHGT criteria, 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri will fall on 20 March 2026,” he said.

Muhammadiyah has also announced the determination of 1 Shawwal 1447 H, in line with the beginning of Ramadan and Zulhijah. This is outlined in Maklumat Number 2/MLM/I.0/E/2025 concerning the Determination of the Results of the Calculation of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Zulhijah 1447 H issued by the Muhammadiyah Tarjih and Tajdid Council.

Muhammadiyah uses the hisab hakiki method with reference to the KHGT. It has been determined that 1 Shawwal will occur on 20 March 2026.

(dem/dem)