The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, Social, and Family Affairs H.E. Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, representing the Secretary General of the OIC, expressed his highest appreciation to Muhammadiyah for the launch of the unified global Hijri calendar.
“On behalf of His Excellency Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the OIC, I extend his greetings and appreciation on this significant occasion,” said Tarid in the launch of the unified global Hijri calendar at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa), Yogyakarta, on Wednesday, 25 June.
Tarig mentioned that the initiative indicated Muhammadiyah’s visionary step and represents a concrete, science-based, and faith-inspired effort to foster unity among the Muslim ummah, through the standardization of the Islamic calendar—one of the most sensitive yet essential aspects of our religious life.
The relevance of this initiative finds strong resonance in the OIC’s objectives and recent resolutions. Notably, Resolution No. 1/51-C particularly on the Unified Hijri Calendar, adopted during the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Istanbul, 2025, encourages Member States to adopt a unified Hijri calendar based on precise astronomical calculations, in order to enhance religious coherence and strengthen cooperation among OIC Member States.
Resolution No. 1/51-C acknowledges the outcomes of key initiatives toward unifying the Hijri Calendar, including: the 2009 scientific symposium in Tunis attended by the OIC General Secretariat, International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), and Member States; the 2016 International Conference on the Unity of the Hijri Calendar in Istanbul, hosted by Diyanet and attended by experts from around 50 countries; previous resolutions supporting Dar Al-Iftaa’s satellite project with Cairo University and Egypt’s Center for Aerospace Studies; and the UAE’s efforts through two meetings of sharia scholars and astronomers in 2016–2017 that endorsed calendar unification.
The launch today by Muhammadiyah is not only a technical milestone. It is a spiritual and institutional breakthrough. It aims to enable Muslims across the globe to observe Islamic religious days, on the same days, grounded in shared scientific and religious legitimacy.
“This achievement is even more remarkable when we consider the magnitude and reach of Muhammadiyah. With an estimated membership of over 50 million individuals, and a vast network of more than 170 universities, thousands of schools and pesantren, hundreds of hospitals, clinics, orphanages, and humanitarian service centers, Muhammadiyah is not only a religious movement, but also a force for civilizational development within Indonesia and beyond. Such institutional strength makes Muhammadiyah uniquely positioned to influence and guide reform within the Muslim world, including through this unified calendar initiative,” said Tarig.
Moreover, Tarig stated that the OIC also commend the leadership of the Republic of Indonesia, under H.E. President Prabowo Subianto, and the support of Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sugiono, for fostering an enabling environment for initiatives that enhance Islamic solidarity, scientific progress, and inter-Muslim cooperation.
“Furthermore, to Professor Haedar Nashir, your leadership continues to inspire confidence and direction, not only among Muhammadiyah’s members, but also across the global Muslim community. This calendar is a reflection of Muhammadiyah’s values: reform, unity, and service for the ummah,” expressed Tarig.
Indeed, the journey toward unity is not simple. It requires patience, vision, and the courage to bridge differences through dialogue, science, and sincerity.
“But today, from this very city of Yogyakarta, we witness a historic step forward, and the OIC is keen to work closely with Muhammadiyah and other stakeholders, in line with OIC resolutions in this regard, to socialize and encourage broader adoption of this unified calendar model across the Muslim world,” expressed Tarig.
“May Allah bless this noble effort and reward all those involved. May this initiative become a beacon of unity and progress for generations to come,” wished Tarig.
