Call for Mutual Respect Amid Differences in Muharram Start Date

A difference has emerged in the determination of the start of the Islamic year 1448 H between the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) and the government, prompting calls for mutual respect. PBNU announced that 1 Muharram 1448 H falls on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, after its rukyatul hilal (moon sighting) on Monday, 29 Zulhijah 1447 H (15 June 2026) failed to observe the crescent moon at all monitoring points. Based on the principle of istikmal (completing the month to 30 days), the new year therefore begins on the following day.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs set the start of Muharram on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. Director of Islamic Affairs and Sharia Development, Arsad Hidayat, stated that the hilal had met the MABIMS criteria, which require a minimum altitude of 3 degrees and an elongation of 6.4 degrees. Calculations for 15 June 2026 showed the hilal altitude ranging from 0.92 degrees in Merauke to 4.02 degrees in Sabang, with elongation between 5.64 and 6.98 degrees, thus satisfying the criteria for most of Indonesia.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed respect for PBNU’s decision. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) called for the difference not to be exaggerated, with Secretary-General Amirsyah Tambunan urging Muslims to reflect on the meaning of the Islamic New Year. He explained that hijrah signifies a transition towards a better state approved by Allah, and for Indonesia, it means renewing mental attitudes, strengthening unity, and upholding justice to build a progressive, just, prosperous, and dignified civilisation. He also emphasised that the spirit of hijrah should be a momentum to improve integrity, honesty, and to reject corruption, collusion, and nepotism.