Haedar Nashir Urges Muslims to Make Ramadan a Social Canopy
Muslims worldwide are set to begin the Ramadan fast of 1447 H. The start date of fasting may once again differ both within Indonesia and across the Islamic world — a recurring and familiar occurrence.
The core issue, according to Muhammadiyah's general chairman, is that so long as Muslims lack a single unified calendar, differences in determining major Islamic dates will very likely persist.
Haedar Nashir, General Chairman of Muhammadiyah's Central Executive Board, therefore called on Muslims to respond to such differences with wisdom and tolerance.
"This is a space for ijtihad [independent reasoning], so there is no need to blame one another, and no party should feel that they alone are correct," Haedar said on Tuesday (17 February 2026).
Differences must be addressed with prudence and good judgement, he said, emphasising that the primary purpose of fasting is to enhance piety — both individually and collectively.
"Focus on the substantive matter of how fasting can truly lead every Muslim to attain piety, manifest in carrying out all of God's commands, avoiding His prohibitions, and bringing about the finest qualities of life," he said.
Through the deepening of piety towards God, Haedar expressed hope that social relations within the community would also improve, spreading goodness to fellow human beings and the wider world.
No matter the issue at hand, it must not be allowed to obstruct the primary goal of achieving piety. Armed with both intelligence and faith, Muslims will attain piety and elevate their standing, he said.
Haedar also urged that Ramadan 1447 H be observed calmly, peacefully, with maturity, and without being disturbed by the commotion of daily life — including disagreements over the start of Ramadan.
"In the broader context, it is hoped that Ramadan will make us the best community — excelling in spirituality through constant faith and piety towards God, as well as in ever-advancing knowledge and the ever-widening spread of goodness," Haedar said.
The core issue, according to Muhammadiyah's general chairman, is that so long as Muslims lack a single unified calendar, differences in determining major Islamic dates will very likely persist.
Haedar Nashir, General Chairman of Muhammadiyah's Central Executive Board, therefore called on Muslims to respond to such differences with wisdom and tolerance.
"This is a space for ijtihad [independent reasoning], so there is no need to blame one another, and no party should feel that they alone are correct," Haedar said on Tuesday (17 February 2026).
Differences must be addressed with prudence and good judgement, he said, emphasising that the primary purpose of fasting is to enhance piety — both individually and collectively.
"Focus on the substantive matter of how fasting can truly lead every Muslim to attain piety, manifest in carrying out all of God's commands, avoiding His prohibitions, and bringing about the finest qualities of life," he said.
Through the deepening of piety towards God, Haedar expressed hope that social relations within the community would also improve, spreading goodness to fellow human beings and the wider world.
No matter the issue at hand, it must not be allowed to obstruct the primary goal of achieving piety. Armed with both intelligence and faith, Muslims will attain piety and elevate their standing, he said.
Haedar also urged that Ramadan 1447 H be observed calmly, peacefully, with maturity, and without being disturbed by the commotion of daily life — including disagreements over the start of Ramadan.
"In the broader context, it is hoped that Ramadan will make us the best community — excelling in spirituality through constant faith and piety towards God, as well as in ever-advancing knowledge and the ever-widening spread of goodness," Haedar said.