Differences In The Method Of Determining Eid Al-Fitr Between NU And Muhammadiyah

Illustration (Photo source: Antara)

JAKARTA - The government set Eid al-Fitr on May 13 tomorrow. The determination of 1 Syawal is determined through the trial of isbat. To determine the date it turns out that the method is different. For example, how to determine 1 Syawal Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah as the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia.

For this year, Muhammadiyah has first set 1 Syawal 1442 H falls on May 13, 2021. It is stated in Information No. 01/MLM/I.0/E/2021. And this year's Eid al-Fitr, incidentally held simultaneously. So, what is the difference between the determination of 1 Syawal NU and Muhammadiyah?

When looking at the determination in the previous year, PBNU in determining 1 Syawal using the method of rukyatul hilal bil fi'li. This is an attempt to see the hilal in person.

Unlike Muhammadiyah which uses the method of reckoning. NU respects the use of the method of reckoning, only the position of the reckoning is as a tool for the implementation of rukyatul hilal.

Deputy Secretary of LFPBNU, Ma'rufin Sudibyo in a written statement in NU Online explained the decision of Nahdlatul Ulama to rely on rukyatul hilal can be seen for example in the results of the 30th Nu Muktamar in 1999.

PBNU placed a falakiah team at points throughout the archipelago to monitor the appearance of hilal. Republika reported that if the hilal (crescent moon) is not visible, the moon is completed (istikmal) to 30 days.

There are three ways to do rukyatul hilal, namely relying on the naked eye, telescope optical tools, to the use of telescopes connected with sensors or cameras. Nahdlatul Ulama Falakiyah Institute (LFNU) helps to coordinate it which is then reported to the central board of PBNU.

NU has a guideline that rukyatul hilal-lah more appropriately used based on the perspective of fiqh that rests from the text of hadith prophet Muhammad SAW to the opinion of salafus shaalih scholars.

Method of reckoning

PP Muhammadiyah in establishing 1 Syawal based it on the method of reckoning that is prayed by majelis Tarjih and Tajdid. The appearance of hilal marks 1 Syawal.

This year, Muhammadiyah determined that Eid al-Fitr 1 Syawal 1442 Hijri falls on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Agung Danarto explained the basis of its determination is the result of monitoring hilal, ijtimak or conjunction between the sun and the moon before Syawal. These are the conditions for fulfilling the beginning of the month.

Ijtimak (conjunction), occurs before sunset considering a cycle of one moon astronomically from conjunction to conjunction, or ijtimak to ijtimak.

Then, when ijtimak day should occur before sunset. The turn of the month should correspond to the turn of the day. Furthermore, at sunset, the moon is still above the horizon or above the horizon to ensure the sun is on the west side of the moon and the moon to the east of the sun.