Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – The beginning of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah in Indonesia and several other countries is likely to differ once again. Muhammadiyah has determined that 1 Ramadan will fall on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While the Indonesian government, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and the majority of Muslim countries are expected to begin fasting on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The difference stems from the use of distinct methods for determining the start of the lunar month, ranging from pure astronomical calculation (hisab) to actual sighting of the new crescent (rukyatul hilal).
In Indonesia, Muhammadiyah was the first to announce the date. Through Official Statement PP Muhammadiyah No. 2/MLM/I.0/E/2025, it declared 1 Ramadan 1447 H to be Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The decision was based on the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method. This is pure astronomical calculation that confirms the existence of the new moon without requiring visual observation—and uses the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT) as its reference.
The Indonesian government and NU have not yet made an official announcement. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold the decisive Isbat Session near the end of Syaban.
However, the official 2026 Indonesian Hijri Calendar and NU’s 2026 Falak Almanac both indicate that 1 Ramadan is most likely to fall on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Both follow the MABIMS criteria (agreed by the Religious Ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore), which combine astronomical calculation with actual crescent visibility requirements.
Why the Crescent Is Considered Too Low
Thomas Djamaluddin, Senior Researcher at BRIN’s National Research and Innovation Agency for Space Research, explained that on the evening of February 17, 2026, the crescent across Indonesia and Southeast Asia will be too low to meet visibility criteria.
“At sunset on February 17, 2026, the height of the crescent in Indonesia and Southeast Asia is still below 3 degrees, and the elongation is below 6.4 degrees—the minimum required by MABIMS criteria,” he said, quoted from Kompas.com, Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Since the crescent is predicted to be unobservable, Syaban is expected to be completed to 30 days (istikmal), pushing the start of Ramadan to Thursday, February 19, 2026, for the government and organizations following MABIMS.
Most Muslim Countries Begin on February 19
Globally, the majority of Muslim countries are also expected to start Ramadan on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Oman was among the first in the Gulf region to announce officially. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates stated that the crescent is astronomically impossible to sight on February 17, so Ramadan will begin on February 19. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and others are expected to follow the same pattern.
Countries using pure astronomical calculation, such as Türkiye, and Singapore (via MUIS) have already set February 19. Australia has also confirmed Thursday, February 19, 2026, for the start of Ramadan.
Pakistan Still Waiting
Pakistan has not yet finalized its decision. The country’s Meteorological Department noted a possibility of sighting the crescent on the evening of February 18. If successful, Ramadan could begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Pakistan.
Different Dates, Same Spirit
Despite the varying approaches—from rukyat to hisab—the differences in the start of Ramadan are inevitable. Yet the essence of the holy month remains unchanged. Whether fasting begins on February 18 or 19, Muslims worldwide are preparing to welcome Ramadan with increased worship, self-restraint, deeper reflection, and stronger social solidarity. (aan/rhd)
