On Idul Fitri Date Differences, MUI Chairman: Do Not Narrow Ijtihad with Verdicts
The controversy over differing determinations of Idul Fitri Day has resurfaced following narratives claiming that celebrating outside the government’s decision is haram. In response, the Chairman of the Central Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), M Azrul Tanjung, emphasised that differences in setting 1 Syawal cannot be categorically deemed haram.
Azrul views the determination of the Hijri month’s beginning as a domain of ijtihad that has long allowed for differences among scholars. Therefore, the use of absolute terminology is deemed inappropriate and potentially misleading to the public.
“The determination of Idul Fitri is in the realm of ijtihad. It cannot be simplified into a narrow halal or haram ruling. This difference has been part of Islamic scholarly tradition for a long time,” Azrul stated in a press release.
Azrul explained that the hisab wujudul hilal method used by Muhammadiyah is the result of collective ijtihad based on evidence and a modern astronomical approach. Thus, Muhammadiyah followers have a strong foundation in adhering to their organisation’s decision.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the hisab method is not foreign in the daily worship practices of Muslims. In fact, according to him, hisab has become an inseparable part of determining other worship times.
“It should be understood that in daily practice, we also use hisab. The determination of the five daily prayer times, the imsak and suhoor schedules, all are based on hisab calculations. So it is inappropriate to overly oppose this method,” he asserted.
On the other hand, Azrul still emphasised the importance of respecting the government’s decision through the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ isbat session as an effort to maintain social order and provide common guidance for the wider community.
Nevertheless, he reminded that maintaining order does not mean eliminating diversity. According to him, obedience to the state and respect for differences in ijtihad should go hand in hand.
“The government’s decision is important to maintain order. But at the same time, we must also respect differences in ijtihad that indeed have a scholarly basis,” he explained.
Azrul also criticised the use of the term “haram” in this context of differences. He views such an approach as potentially narrowing the meaning of religion and sparking social tensions.
“If every difference is immediately labelled haram, that is dangerous. Islam has a long tradition of managing differences wisely. What is needed is maturity, not judgement,” he said.
He also invited Muslims to make the Idul Fitri moment a space for reflection on the quality of religiosity, including in responding to differences. “Lebaran is not just about the date, but about attitude. After Ramadan, we are tested on whether we can maintain brotherhood amid differences,” he said.
Azrul emphasised that differences in holiday determinations should not become a source of division, but rather part of a dynamic managed with religious ethics and maturity. “Lebaran may differ, but ukhuwah must not crack,” he concluded.