Comparison of Hisab and Rukyat Methods in Determining Eid al-Fitr 2026 for 1447 AH

The divergence in determining the beginning of Islamic months, particularly Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH, has returned to public attention. This difference stems from two distinct methodologies employed by religious organisations and the government in Indonesia.

Muhammadiyah employs the Hisab Hakiki Wujudul Hilal method, which relies purely on astronomical calculations to determine the position of the moon without requiring direct visual observation (rukyat).

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, utilises the Imkanur Rukyat method combined with the results of the Sidang Isbat proceedings. This approach adheres to the new MABIMS (Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) criteria.

The government will make its final determination through the Sidang Isbat, which brings together data from hundreds of hilal observation points across all regions of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke.

Such differences are customary in religious jurisprudence. The priority remains maintaining a spirit of tolerance and unity in celebrating this significant Islamic occasion.

Eid al-Fitr 2026 is predicted to fall on 20 or 21 March, contingent upon the results of the Sidang Isbat and the meteorological data analysed by Indonesia’s Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG).