MUI States That Determination of Eid al-Fitr is Government's Authority, Urges Community to Maintain Unity

JAKARTA - The Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Cholil Nafis, stated that the determination of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah is the authority of the government. During a press conference for the 2026 isbat session, he also urged the Muslim community to maintain unity and continue the values of goodness built during the month of Ramadan. Cholil explained that the decision to complete Ramadan fasting at 30 days was based on considerations of hisab (calculation) and rukyat (sighting) which indicated that the hilal was not visible (ghairu imkanir ru’yah). “As stated by the Minister of Religious Affairs, we are completing the fast to 30 days. The principle is to leave what is doubtful and take what is certain, because based on calculation the hilal is impossible to see and in the field it was also not seen,” Cholil said on Thursday night (19/3/2026). Furthermore, Cholil added that a similar decision was affirmed at the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress, which prohibits announcements of the start of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr other than by the government. “The government’s decision is binding and can eliminate differences in the community. However, we still respect our brothers and sisters who have different convictions in determining the holiday,” Cholil said. He emphasised the importance of living simply and not being excessive in consumption, as trained during Ramadan. In addition, he reminded of the obligation of zakat fitrah and the importance of sharing with others. “Charity is proof of faith. The good habits during Ramadan must be maintained in the following months as a sign that our worship is accepted,” he said. “Congratulations to us all who have fulfilled the fasting obligation. InsyaAllah we will soon celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Minal aidin wal faizin, kullu ’aamin wa antum bikhair,” he concluded.