DPR Disagrees With Muhammadiyah's Proposal To Eliminate Eid Al-Fitr Isbat Session

Determination of Eid Al-Fitr through the Isbat Session, (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI Ashabul Kahfi responded to the proposal of the General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu'ti that the session to determine Eid al-Fitr 1445 H or Eid Al-Fitr 2024 be abolished. Ashabul did not agree because the trial was considered important in determining the beginning of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

"This trial is very important as a space for people who follow the rukyah method, who believe the validity of seeing the moon directly as a determinant at the beginning of the Hijriyah month, compared to the methods of reckoning that rely more on astronomical calculations," Ashabul Kahfi told reporters, Friday, March 8.

According to the PAN legislator, the session was not just a ceremonial activity, but also important to strengthen the unity of Muslims.

"This is because the trial is not just ceremonial, but also an important moment to strengthen friendship and unity among Muslims ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr," said Ashabul.

Nevertheless, Ashabul respects Mu'ti's proposal so that the state can save the budget because the determination of Eid al-Fitr in Muhammadiyah and the government is the same.

"I understand the proposal from the General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, Prof. Abdul Mu'ti, not to hold a session to determine Eid al-Fitr this year. This is a form of active participation from the community in the formation of public policies," he said.

It is known that PP Muhammadiyah has set the beginning of fasting 1 Ramadan 1445 H to fall on Monday, March 11, 2024 and Eid al-Fitr 1 Syawal 1445 H to fall on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Meanwhile, the beginning of Ramadan will be different from the determination of the government.

The Ministry of Religion will only hold an isbat session to determine the beginning of Ramadan on March 10. However, Eid al-Fitr or Eid celebrations will be the same.

Therefore, General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu'ti suggested that the trial for the determination of Eid al-Fitr should not be held.

"God willing, Eid al-Fitr will be together. The position of hilal at the end of Ramadan is already above 8 degrees. With such a position, the hilal can be seen clearly. So there is no need for an isbat trial, so it can save the budget," said Abdul Mu'ti when delivering a lecture at the Tarhib Ramadan and the 3rd Anniversary of the Al-Biru Mosque in Murutan Kidul Village, Batealit, Jepara, Sunday, March 3.

So far, said Mu'ti, the determination of Eid between the methods of reckoning and ru'ah has more often resulted in differences. He explained that Muhammadiyah is more likely to do hisab haqiqi, while the government uses ru'yatul hilal (see the hilal with the naked eye).

"If the position of hilal is above 8 degrees, surely all Islamic organizations will be the same in determining Eid al-Fitr," he said.