REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Religious Affairs Ministry will seek the calculation of 1st Shawwal 1436 Hijri on 16 July, according to some methods so that the results could minimize the difference.
"The possibility is different there, but we should see it in rukyat (observing the appearance of moon). I will send those to Persis (Islamic Union) and NU (Nahdlatul Ulama), and then we will hold a dialog before isbat (the trial of Eid determination)," said Director General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Religious Affairs Ministry, Prof. Machasin, on Thursday, July 9.
Machasin explained, the determination of the beginning month of Hijri was following the criteria 2-3-8. Namely, at sunset, the height (altitude) in a minimum of 2 degrees was above the horizon, elongation angle (arch distance) of moon to the solar was minimum of 3 degrees, and then when the moon goes down, a minimum age of month was 8 hours.
Based on experience, said Machasin, if it was above three degrees was usually nothing to see. According to him, this year the new moon was already above the criteria. The moon’s height was already between 2 degrees to 3.4 degrees, the distance from the conjunction of nine hours, while the elongation angle of about 5 degrees. Therefore, most likely the new moon was already seen on July 16.
Machasin added, if the moon was not visible, NU and Persis will fulfill Ramadan of 30 days. Thus, Eid falls on 18 July. However, when it was nothing to see, the two organizations will follow the government's decision.
Persis stated that it will follow the government's decision if the new moon has been seen by two people in different places. While, NU just one place.
"So it is possible that 1st Shawwal falls on the same date, although there is a distinct possibility. Especially now that the weather is bright. But, we see the last atmosphere in 16 july,”said Machasin.
Machasin urged that people still respect whatever decision from Isbat trial later. "We've often different and it was okay. We keep this great tradition. We will try to keep unite, but if at the last second have to be different, just respect each other, "added Machasin.
Machasin also emphasized that the implementation of the Isbat trial will be held with a closed mechanism. Previously, NU had proposed an open trial on the implementation of the Isbat trial of 1st Shawwal 1436 H. Machasin denied the possibility.
He stated that Religious Affairs Ministry will accommodate parties who did not feel comfortable when the trial opened. The mechanism of the Isbat trial will be held as determination of the 1st Ramadan 1436 H yesterday. He added that the results of Isbat trial which will be submitted open to the public.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika