Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – As Ramadan 1447 Hijriah nears its end, anticipation is building among the public for the exact date of Idul Fitri (Eid al-Fitr) 2026. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) projects Idul Fitri on Saturday, March 21, 2026, but the final decision awaits the results of the sidang isbat (moon-sighting determination session). Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah has already set Idul Fitri on Friday, March 20, 2026, based on its astronomical calculation method (hisab).
Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at Kemenag, Abu Rokhmad, stated that according to the Hijri calendar, 1 Syawal 1447 H is projected to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026. However, the government emphasizes that the official date will only be confirmed through the sidang isbat.
“The sidang isbat to determine 1 Syawal is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, coinciding with 29 Ramadan 1447 H. It will be held at the H.M. Rasjidi Auditorium, Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Jakarta, starting at 4:00 PM WIB,” Rokhmad said, as quoted from the official Kemenag website on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
He added that all preparations for the session have been completed in accordance with procedures, both substantively and technically. The session relies on astronomical calculations (hisab) and direct moon sightings (rukyat).
“The sidang isbat will involve various cross-institutional elements, including astronomy experts from BMKG, BRIN, observatories and planetariums, as well as representatives from Islamic community organizations. Due to this broad representation, the decision carries strong religious legitimacy,” he explained.
Potential Difference with Muhammadiyah
While the government awaits the sidang isbat outcome, Muhammadiyah’s Central Leadership has already determined that 1 Syawal 1447 H falls on Friday, March 20, 2026, as stated in Maklumat Number 2/MLM/I.0/E/2025.
Muhammadiyah uses the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method—pure astronomical calculations without requiring direct observation. In this approach, a new month begins if conjunction (ijtima’) occurs before sunset and the moon is above the horizon at sunset.
In contrast, the government (along with Nahdlatul Ulama) employs a combined hisab and rukyat method. Besides astronomical computations, direct hilal sightings remain the primary determinant, particularly through the sidang isbat using agreed visibility criteria.
Due to these methodological differences, the possibility of varying Idul Fitri dates remains open once again. The government urges the public to await the official sidang isbat announcement as the national reference. (aan/rhd)
