JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) will hold an initial isbat (determination) session for Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah on 29 Zulkaidah 1447 Hijriah which coincides with May 17, 2026, and will also announce when Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah for Muslims in Indonesia.
"The isbat trial is a deliberative forum that brings together the government, Islamic organizations, and experts in astronomy and astronomy in determining the beginning of the Hijri month," said Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion Abu Rokhmad in Jakarta, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.
Abu explained that the initial determination process of Zulhijah was carried out by integrating the hisab method (astronomical calculation) and rukyat (observation of the crescent). These two approaches complement each other in producing a comprehensive decision.
According to him, the calculation data provides an initial picture of the position of the crescent moon, while the rukyat becomes a factual confirmation through direct observation at various monitoring points throughout Indonesia.
"This approach ensures that the decisions taken are not only based on scientific data, but are also confirmed through field observations," he said.
The series of isbat hearings will begin with a seminar on the position of the crescent moon, which will present astronomical data from the Hisab Rukyat Team of the Ministry of Religion.
This seminar is broadcast publicly as a form of transparency of information to the public. After that, the committee will receive reports on the results of rukyatul hilal from various observation locations, ranging from western to eastern Indonesia.
"Furthermore, the Minister of Religion will lead the session by listening to the considerations of the participants before officially setting the beginning of Zulhijah," he said.
Based on preliminary data, the position of the crescent meets the criteria for the visibility of the MABIMS crescent. The calculation shows that the height of the crescent is above 3 degrees and the elongation is above 6.4 degrees, so that it theoretically meets the criteria for imkan rukyat.
However, Abu emphasized that the data was still predictive and had not become the basis for official determination.
"The initial determination of Zulhijah is still waiting for the results of the rukyat and the decision of the isbat trial as the official authority of the government," he said.
The results of the isbat trial will be announced through a press conference so that it can become a common reference for Muslims in Indonesia.
"If asked when Eid al-Adha is, we urge the public to wait for the results of the isbat trial on May 17, 2026," he said.
Meanwhile, based on the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT) which is followed by Muhammadiyah, Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Meanwhile, Arafah Day or 9 Zulhijah 1447 H falls on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and the beginning of the month of Zulhijah begins on Monday, May 18, 2026.
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