Idul Fitri 2026: PBNU Urges Caution, Ramadhan Completion to 30 Days

PBNU Urges Consistency on Hilal Criteria as Ramadan End Approaches

Jakarta – As the end of Ramadan 1447 H (March 19, 2026) nears, the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has expressed hope that the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) will remain consistent with the criteria established by the MABIMS (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) agreement regarding the sighting of the new crescent moon, or hilal. This comes as calculations by PBNU’s Falakiyah Commission, Kemenag, and the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) indicate the hilal will not meet the imkanur rukyah criteria – a height of 3 degrees and an elongation of 6.4 degrees – on Thursday, 29 Ramadan 1447 H.

The debate centers on determining the start of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, and thus the date of Eid al-Fitr. The core of the issue is whether to prioritize astronomical calculations (hisab) and established criteria for visibility, or to rely on actual sightings (rukyatul hilal) of the new moon. PBNU is advocating for adherence to the MABIMS criteria and Indonesian Ministerial Regulation Number 1 of 2026, which sets the imkanur rukyah standard.

What is Imkanur Rukyah?

Imkanur rukyah, as emphasized by PBNU officials, should be a prerequisite for accepting testimony regarding the sighting of the hilal. If at least five different, definitive astronomical methods determine that the hilal is not visible, that determination should be the basis for rejecting any claims of sighting. This approach prioritizes scientific certainty and consistency in determining the Islamic calendar.

Concerns Over Potential Manipulation of Data

KH Sarmidi Husna, a member of PBNU’s Syuriyah Council, voiced concerns about potential attempts to manipulate hisab data and alter the imkanur rukyah criteria. He alleges a push to unify the date of 1 Shawwal 1447 H, potentially at the expense of established standards. Specifically, he points to two alleged efforts: a suggestion to lower the elongation criterion to 6 degrees, and an attempt to replicate a successful sighting claim from the beginning of Ramadan 1446 H/2025 H by sending a sighting team from Java to Aceh.

According to PBNU, these actions are motivated by a desire for uniformity in the start of Shawwal, even if it means compromising the integrity of the established criteria. The organization fears that such maneuvers could undermine the credibility of the process and create confusion among Muslims.

PBNU’s Falakiyah Commission Rejects Attempts to Alter Criteria

The PBNU’s Falakiyah Commission (LF PBNU) has strongly refuted claims suggesting efforts to align Eid al-Fitr on March 20, 2026. LF PBNU Chairman KH Sirril Wafa stated that the position of the hilal, according to all calculations, falls below the agreed-upon criteria. He further criticized what he described as attempts to “play with numbers” and force hisab results to conform to a predetermined outcome.

LF PBNU is advocating for the completion of Ramadan – istikmal – meaning 30 days, with 1 Shawwal falling on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This position is based on the principle of caution (ihtiyat) in matters of religious observance, particularly when astronomical data indicates the hilal is not visible.

Detailed Astronomical Data

Data from LF PBNU indicates that while the hilal will be above the horizon on March 19, 2026, it will not meet the imkanur rukyah criteria in most locations. The highest hilal altitude is projected for Sabang, Aceh, at 2 degrees 53 minutes, with an elongation of 6 degrees 09 minutes and a duration of 14 minutes 44 seconds. The lowest altitude is expected in Merauke, Papua Selatan, at 0 degrees 49 minutes, with an elongation of 4 degrees 36 minutes and a duration of 6 minutes 36 seconds.

In Jakarta, at the PBNU headquarters, the hilal altitude is calculated at 1 degree 43 minutes 54 seconds, with an elongation of 5 degrees 44 minutes 49 seconds and a duration of 10 minutes 51 seconds. Conjunction (ijtimak) is expected to occur on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 08:25:58 WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

These calculations are based on a contemporary, rigorous hisab method specific to Nahdlatul Ulama. NU Online provides further coverage of this issue.

The Importance of Caution and Consistency

LF PBNU emphasizes the importance of caution (ihtiyat) and avoiding recklessness in determining the start and end of Ramadan. They warn that hasty decisions regarding religious observances could lead to errors in practice, and belief. The organization urges policymakers to prioritize careful consideration and adherence to established criteria.

The commission also expresses hope that PBNU’s scholars will remain committed to completing Ramadan and establishing 1 Shawwal on Saturday, March 21, 2026, based on the available astronomical data and the principle of imkanur rukyah. They reiterate that if astronomical calculations indicate the hilal is not visible, any claims of sighting should be rejected. NU Online reports on the 2021 Munas decision regarding cell-based meat, demonstrating PBNU’s commitment to issuing rulings based on careful consideration.