Muhammadiyah Sets 20 March for Eid al-Fitr 2026; When Will Government's Isbat Session Be Held?

The determination of 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah or Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Indonesia has again attracted public attention. Differences in methodology between Islamic organisations and the government often result in variations in the dates of religious celebrations. For 2026, Muhammadiyah Central Leadership has provided certainty, whilst the public awaits an official decision from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Muhammadiyah Central Leadership (PP), through the Hisab Hakiki Wujudul Hilal method, has determined that Eid al-Fitr on 1 Syawal 1447 H falls on Friday, 20 March 2026. According to their calculations, on the afternoon of Thursday, 19 March 2026, the hilal’s position will already be above the horizon at sunset, indicating that the new moon has begun according to the wujudul hilal criterion.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) is scheduled to hold an Isbat Session on Thursday, 19 March 2026. This session aims to verify the results of direct hilal observations at hundreds of observation points throughout Indonesia.

The public should understand that the Indonesian government currently uses the new MABIMS criterion (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) as the minimum standard for hilal visibility. These requirements include specific criteria for the moon’s elevation above the horizon at sunset.

On 19 March 2026, the hilal’s position is predicted to remain at a very low elevation (approximately 0 to 2 degrees). If the MABIMS criterion is not met and the hilal is not sighted, the government will likely conduct istikmal (completing Ramadan as 30 days), placing the government’s version of Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, 21 March 2026.

Based on the national calendar, the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H holiday coincides closely with Nyepi Day, which falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026. This provides an opportunity for the public to enjoy an extended weekend. The government urges the public to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to adjust their travel and worship schedules accordingly.

Although there is potential for a difference between 20 March and 21 March 2026, the essence of Eid al-Fitr as a day of victory remains the same. The public is expected to maintain tolerance and Islamic brotherhood in celebrating this important occasion, regardless of the methodology followed.