Ramadan Approaching: Prayers Recommended by Scholars to Welcome the Holy Month
Jakarta — Muslims across Indonesia are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, now just days away. Based on the Hijri calendar for 1447 H, the beginning of fasting in 2026 is expected to fall in mid-February.
A number of Islamic organisations have announced their projected start dates for the fasting period.
The Central Board of Muhammadiyah has determined that 1 Ramadan 1447 H coincides with 18 February 2026. Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama is still awaiting the results of the isbat session to be announced by the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs. According to the Indonesian Hijri Calendar for 2026, the start of Ramadan is expected to fall on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
The difference in determination methods is a common occurrence each year. Nevertheless, the essence of welcoming Ramadan remains the same — preparing oneself physically and spiritually to carry out worship optimally.
One practice recommended by scholars ahead of the holy month is reciting a prayer upon sighting the hilal (crescent moon) or upon entering the new month, including at the onset of Ramadan. Prominent preacher Ustaz Adi Hidayat cited a prayer narrated in hadith tradition.
“The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘Allahumma ahillahu ’alaina bil yumni wal iman wassalamati wal islam rabbi wa rabbukallah,’” Ustaz Adi Hidayat was quoted as saying on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
The prayer is recommended and narrated in the hadith of At-Tirmidhi, number 3254:
“Allahumma ahillahu ’alaina bil yumni wal imani was salamati wal islam. Rabbi wa rabbukallah.”
Translation: “O Allah, let this crescent moon appear upon us with blessing, faith, safety, and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.”
The preacher, commonly known as UAH, emphasised the importance of memorising this prayer as a form of spiritual preparation.
“Please memorise this prayer. It is a prayer taught by the Prophet ahead of Ramadan so that one may receive health, strength, and safety for worship during Ramadan,” Ustaz Adi Hidayat said.
According to him, Ramadan is a special occasion because every moment within it carries the value of worship. In addition to observing the obligatory fast, Muslims are also encouraged to increase voluntary acts of devotion such as charitable giving, reading the Quran, and offering more prayers.
“Ramadan is special because there is an opportunity to distance oneself from Satan,” Ustaz Adi Hidayat added.