MUI Predicts Start of Ramadan 1447 Will Differ Among Muslim Communities
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) M. Cholil Nafis has predicted that the start of Ramadan 1447 will differ among Muslim communities in Indonesia. He explained that several groups have already determined the beginning of Ramadan this year falls on 18 February, in accordance with the global calendar. Meanwhile, other groups and the date to be set by the government depend on the results of astronomical calculations (hisab) as well as the imkan rukyat (possibility of moon sighting) observable from sunset.
"According to the imkan rukyat, the possibility of sighting the hilal (crescent moon) is unlikely to be observed," he said in a written statement on Monday, 16 February 2026.
He explained that the position of the hilal is likely still below 3 degrees. Meanwhile, the Mabims convention — comprising scholars from the Southeast Asian ulema forum of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam — has agreed that the hilal can be sighted only when it is above 3 degrees.
"So it can be certain that the start of Ramadan will differ. Some will observe it on 18 February and others on 19 February," he said.
Nevertheless, Cholil urged the public to be understanding of the difference. He also called on Muslims to respect one another and not allow the difference to cause discord.
"I hope the public has matured. This is a matter of khilafiyah fikr, a matter of differing scholarly opinions. It should not be taken towards division, but rather let this difference be an opportunity for us to learn more," he said.
Currently, Muhammadiyah — one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organisations — has determined the start of Ramadan 1447 to fall on 18 February 2026. Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama and the Ministry of Religious Affairs are still awaiting the results of hisab and hilal observation to be conducted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. The observation will be carried out at 96 locations across Indonesia.
The results of the hilal observation will be discussed jointly in the isbat (official determination) session for the start of Ramadan 1447 H, to be held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs office in Jakarta tomorrow.
Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Abu Rokhmad, said the isbat session brings together hisab data with the results of rukyatul hilal (crescent moon sighting).
"The government is striving to ensure the determination of the start of Ramadan is conducted scientifically, transparently, and involves all relevant parties," said Abu Rokhmad in a statement quoted from the official MUI website, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
"According to the imkan rukyat, the possibility of sighting the hilal (crescent moon) is unlikely to be observed," he said in a written statement on Monday, 16 February 2026.
He explained that the position of the hilal is likely still below 3 degrees. Meanwhile, the Mabims convention — comprising scholars from the Southeast Asian ulema forum of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam — has agreed that the hilal can be sighted only when it is above 3 degrees.
"So it can be certain that the start of Ramadan will differ. Some will observe it on 18 February and others on 19 February," he said.
Nevertheless, Cholil urged the public to be understanding of the difference. He also called on Muslims to respect one another and not allow the difference to cause discord.
"I hope the public has matured. This is a matter of khilafiyah fikr, a matter of differing scholarly opinions. It should not be taken towards division, but rather let this difference be an opportunity for us to learn more," he said.
Currently, Muhammadiyah — one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organisations — has determined the start of Ramadan 1447 to fall on 18 February 2026. Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama and the Ministry of Religious Affairs are still awaiting the results of hisab and hilal observation to be conducted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. The observation will be carried out at 96 locations across Indonesia.
The results of the hilal observation will be discussed jointly in the isbat (official determination) session for the start of Ramadan 1447 H, to be held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs office in Jakarta tomorrow.
Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Abu Rokhmad, said the isbat session brings together hisab data with the results of rukyatul hilal (crescent moon sighting).
"The government is striving to ensure the determination of the start of Ramadan is conducted scientifically, transparently, and involves all relevant parties," said Abu Rokhmad in a statement quoted from the official MUI website, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.