:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4289354/original/041089600_1673516524-arabic-desserts-near-books.jpg "When is Fasting 2024? This is the prediction according to the government, NU and Muhdammadiyah")
In determining the start of the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims rely on two main methods, namely Rukyatul Hilal and Hisab. These two methods have different approaches in determining the start of the new month, and both are the basis for Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah and NU in releasing predictions for the start of fasting each year.
First of all, Rukyatul Hilal refers to the activity of seeing the first appearance of the new moon or crescent moon. This process is carried out before sunset on the 29th of the current month. If during Rukyatul Hilal the new moon appears, then that night is immediately designated as the 1st of the new month, which marks the beginning of the month of Ramadan. However, if the crescent moon is not visible, then the current month is declared to have 30 days, and the following night is designated as the start of the new month.
On the other hand, the Hisab method relies on mathematical calculations based on the moon’s orbit around the earth. In contrast to Rukyatul Hilal which must be done on the last day of the month, Hisab can be done well in advance. The Hisab method is divided into two categories, namely Hisab Urf and Hisab Hakiki. Hisab Urf involves calculations by deducing the average length of the month of Qomariah, while Hisab Hakiki refers to whether or not the crescent moon appears on the eastern horizon at sunset.
An in-depth explanation of these two methods has been presented in the Religious Research Journal entitled ‘Determining the Early Ramadan Fast in the Hadith Perspective’ by Lisa Istianah. Through this research, scholars and followers of Islam gained a scientific basis to understand more about the process of determining the beginning of the fasting month.
With a deeper understanding of Rukyatul Hilal and Hisab, Muslims in Indonesia can appreciate diversity in determining the start of the fasting month. Even though there are differences in approaches between Muhammadiyah and NU in predicting the date of Ramadhan 1 2024, the spirit of unity and integrity in fasting remains an inseparable core of Islamic religious teachings.