MUI considers the potential for differences in the beginning of Ramadan to reflect the maturity of the community

Chairman of the MUI Anwar Iskandar on the sidelines of the MUI National Working Conference (Mukernas) in Jakarta, Thursday (12/2/2026). ANTARA/Asep Firmansyah

JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Anwar Iskandar considers the potential for differences in the initial determination of Ramadan in Indonesia as part of the dynamics of ijtihad which shows the maturity of the Islamic scientific tradition in Indonesia.

According to Anwar, the difference does not need to be questioned excessively because each has a methodological basis that can be accounted for by syar'i.

"The potential, yes, still exists and we respect it. It can't last forever, yes, there will always be differences and it's not a problem. It's part of ijtihad," said Kiai Anwar, his nickname, in Jakarta, Thursday, February 12, reported by ANTARA.

He emphasized that the space for differences in issues such as the determination of the beginning of Ramadan is indeed open in Islam. Therefore, the community is asked to respond to differences with an attitude of mutual respect.

Kiai Anwar gave an example that so far the difference usually occurs between Islamic organizations that use the method of hisab and rukyat. The majority of people follow the decision of the government's isbat session.

"There are those who follow the government's isbat and that is the majority. There are also different organizations and we respect that. Even within the scope of the pesantren or the same organization, it can be different," he said.

He assessed that this condition actually showed an egalitarian attitude in religious life in Indonesia as long as it was not accompanied by a mutual blame.

"The important thing is not to kafir one's fellow Muslims just because of the difference in determining the date of fasting," he said.

On the other hand, Kiai Anwar emphasized the importance of maintaining Islamic brotherhood and wathaniyah brotherhood in the midst of these differences. According to him, unity of the people and unity of the nation must remain a priority.

He also reminded that in the context of state life, the government has the authority to make joint decisions.

"The most important thing for us is to follow the government's announcement. Because the government has the authority to be a judge. So according to Islam, the decision of the judge or the decision of the state eliminates differences," he said.

However, he emphasized that if there were still differences, they must still be respected as part of the beliefs and ijtihad recognized in the teachings of Islam.