MUI Addresses Tolerance Amid Disagreement on 2026 Eid Date

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has endorsed the government’s decision, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), to set 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah on 21 March 2026. Nevertheless, MUI calls for tolerance towards fellow Muslims who believe 1 Syawal 1447 H falls the following day.

This was conveyed by the Head of MUI’s Dakwah and Ukhuwah Division, Muhammad Cholil Nafis. He initially confirmed that the crescent moon could not be sighted at this time.

“As mentioned by the Minister earlier, we have decided on ikmal or completion, perfecting our 30-day fast, because ‘leave what is doubtful and take what is certain’—the certain thing is ensuring that the calculation cannot be seen, and in the field, it truly cannot be observed,” said Cholil Nafis.

Thus, he stated, based on consensus, deliberation, and in line with MUI’s 2004 decision, the authority to determine 1 Syawal lies with the government. This aligns with the decision of Nahdlatul Ulama at its 20th Congress.

“Based on that and the consensus from the minister’s deliberation, it was decided that, according to the Indonesian Ulema Council’s 2004 decision, the authority to announce matters related to the start of Ramadan and Eid lies with the ulil amri, here represented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” he said.

“Likewise, the Nahdlatul Ulama’s decision at the 20th Congress prohibits and deems it haram to announce decisions on the start of Ramadan and Eid other than by the government. Therefore, we state that the decision of the judge, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, representing the government, is a binding law that can eliminate differences among us,” he continued.

Nevertheless, Cholil extends tolerance to fellow Muslims who hold the conviction that Eid or 1 Syawal falls the following day. “At the same time, we certainly tolerate our brothers and sisters who believe in celebrating Eid tomorrow,” he added.