REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The holy month of Ramadan 1445 H is coming soon. As Muslims, of course, we are very much looking forward to the arrival of this glorious month, because in this month, all our acts of worship and benevolence are multiplied.
In Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast for an entire month from sunrise to sunset. As for those who are prevented from fasting due to menstruation, nitas, or illness that causes them to be unable to fast, they are obliged to do so later in the day.
Then when exactly will this beginning of Ramdhan 1445 H arrive?
The Organization of Muhammadiyah has decreed that 1 Ramadan 1445 AH falls on March 11, 2024. This determination is contained in the Information of the Muhammadiyah Central Leaders Number 1/MLM/I.0/E/2024 on the results of Ramadan, Shawal, and Dzulhijah 1445 H signed by the General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir and the General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu'ti on January 12, 2024.
In determining the beginning of this Ramadan, Muhammadiyah used the method of Hisab WuHilal Hakiki. With this method of hisab, Muhammadiyah uses the science of falak in looking at the position of the crescent moon at the end of the month to determine the beginning of the month. Thus, with this method the position of the crescent can be predicted without having to see the new moon as the beginning of the month.
If we follow the schedule of Ramadan fasting version of Muhammadiyah, it means that we will perform Ramadan fasting on Monday, March 11, 2024 or the next 14 days. Therefore, for Muslims who still have fasting debts, there are still 14 days to do it.
But if we wait for the government's version, in this case the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia is as in previous years. The government will hold an Isbat session early in Ramadan first. The trial will usually be conducted online and offline at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office on Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta.
Through the press release of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, that the prayer itself has been scheduled and will take place on March 10, 2024. But before that, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold a hilal rukyatul by placing a team of crescent monitors scattered at various points throughout Indonesia.