Isbat Hearing to Be Held Today to Determine Eid Date, Here's How It Works

The Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold the Isbat hearing to establish Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE. The Isbat hearing follows a mechanism that has been regulated. According to Antara on Thursday (19/3/2026), the Isbat hearing is an official forum organised by the Indonesian government to determine the start of months in the Hijriah calendar, such as the beginning of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. This hearing aims to provide certainty for Muslims in carrying out their worship in accordance with religious requirements. The mechanism of the Isbat hearing begins with a presentation of the crescent moon’s position by the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Hijriah Calendar Unification Team, based on astronomical calculations (hisab). At the same time, experts conduct direct crescent moon observations at hundreds of points across Indonesia, such as 117 locations for Shawwal 1447 H, and the results are collected from field officers. Next, the Minister of Religious Affairs leads a closed hearing attended by representatives of Islamic mass organisations, ambassadors from friendly countries, and related institutions, such as the BMKG, BRIN, and astronomy experts. In this hearing, the decision is made by considering hisab data and rukyat reports from the field. The results of the Isbat hearing are then officially announced to the public through a press conference broadcast live by the media and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ official social media channels. Nevertheless, in practice, there are often differences in the determination of Hijriah months between government decisions and community organisations. Muslims in Indonesia also frequently begin and end the Ramadan fast in a unified and collective manner. If the Isbat hearing decision is not unanimous or differences arise, Muslims must still remain harmonious, peaceful, and respectful of one another. The Isbat Hearing serves as a medium for literacy, as well as an arena that increasingly matures the Muslim community in their faith. Methods of the Isbat Hearing In its implementation, the Isbat hearing combines two main methods: hisab and rukyat. The hisab method uses astronomical calculations to determine the moon’s position mathematically, without direct observation. Meanwhile, the rukyat method involves direct observation of the hilal (first crescent moon) on the horizon after sunset. This observation is carried out by experts at various predetermined locations to ensure the visibility of the hilal. Both methods have strong scientific and religious foundations and have been used in Islamic history. The combination of hisab and rukyat in the Isbat hearing reflects the government’s efforts to maintain a balance between science and religious teachings. Through this forum, the government seeks to ensure uniformity and certainty in the implementation of Muslim worship, by combining hisab and rukyat methods and involving various related parties.