Ministry of Religious Affairs Explains Basis for 1 Muharram Determination After NU Sets Different Date
The determination of the start of the Islamic New Year 1448 Hijriah differs this year between the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) and the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU). Kemenag has set 1 Muharram 1448 H to fall on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, while PBNU has set it for Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
Kemenag explained that the determination was based on the imkanur rukyat criteria of the Ministers of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore (MABIMS), which were deemed to have been met. Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Sharia Development at Kemenag, Arsad Hidayat, stated that the determination of the start of Muharram 1448 H was guided by Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation (PMA) Number 1 of 2026 concerning the Organisation of the Isbat Session. Article 4, paragraph (1) of PMA Number 1 of 2026 stipulates that the determination of the start of Ramadan, Syawal, and Zulhijah in the isbat session is carried out based on the imkanur rukyat criteria.
The MABIMS imkanur rukyat criteria require a minimum hilal altitude of 3 degrees and a minimum elongation of 6.4 degrees. Based on calculations on 15 June 2026, the altitude of the Muharram 1448 H hilal at sunset ranged from 0.92 degrees in Merauke to 4.02 degrees in Sabang. Meanwhile, the elongation angle ranged from 5.64 degrees to 6.98 degrees. Arsad stated that these conditions met the MABIMS criteria. ‘With these parameters, most of Indonesia’s territory has met the minimum MABIMS criteria. Therefore, the start of Muharram 1448 H falls on Tuesday, 16 June 2026,’ Arsad told reporters on Tuesday (16/6/2026).
Arsad added that the MABIMS criteria are also used in the preparation of the Indonesian Hijri Calendar, compiled by the Hisab Rukyat Team of the Ministry of Religious Affairs together with falak experts from various Islamic community organisations, pesantren, and universities. Meanwhile, PBNU set 1 Muharram 1448 H for Wednesday, 17 June 2026, after the rukyatul hilal on 15 June 2026 failed to sight the new moon at all monitoring points. The decision was announced through official NU channels and a letter from the PBNU Falakiyah Institute, stating that the start of Muharram 1448 H coincides with Wednesday Kliwon, 17 June 2026, based on istikmal.
Kemenag expressed respect for PBNU’s decision. The Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and Public Communication at Kemenag, Thobib Al Asyhar, stated, ‘We respect PBNU’s decision.’ The Head of the Sub-directorate of Hisab Rukyat and Sharia, Ismail Fahmi, explained that there are several approaches to determining the start of the lunar month in Indonesia, including rukyatul hilal, wujudul hilal, and imkanur rukyat. He noted that the imkanur rukyat method bridges observational and astronomical calculation approaches through criteria based on long-term rukyat data analysis and scientifically accountable hisab. ‘Therefore, when weather conditions do not support observation, hisab data still provides accurate information regarding the position of the hilal and becomes an important part of compiling the Hijri calendar,’ he clarified.
Ismail said that the phenomenon of the hilal not being visible due to cloudy weather is common and does not diminish the validity of astronomical data showing the hilal’s position within the established parameters. Kemenag hopes that information regarding the hilal’s position can improve public literacy about hisab and rukyat. Differences in methods for determining the start of the Hijri month, he said, are part of the wealth of Islamic scientific tradition that should be addressed with mutual respect. ‘All Muslims are expected to make the momentum of the 1448 H Hijri New Year a means to strengthen brotherhood, increase good deeds, and spread benefit to others,’ he said.