MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SIDOARJO – Muhammadiyah continues to demonstrate its commitment to unity among Muslims through ijtihad (independent reasoning and renewal of thought). One of its most significant recent efforts is the launch of the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (UGHC), aimed at being used by Muslims worldwide.
“This initiative, recognized internationally as a major milestone, is part of Muhammadiyah’s continuous effort to advance Islamic thought,” said Syafiq A. Mughni, the Muhammadiyah Chairperson of International Relations and Cooperation at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) on July 26.
According to Syafiq, the UGHC was developed to unify how Muslims around the world determine important dates, such as Ramadan and Eid. He emphasized that having a shared calendar is essential for a united Muslim community.
“This is part of our civilizational duty. As one ummah, we should have one calendar that becomes the international standard for Muslims. If we truly see ourselves as one global community, we must have the determination to build a common future,” said Syafiq.
Syafiq explained that the UGHC reflects Muhammadiyah’s broader vision of a modern and inclusive Islamic civilization that contributes positively to humanity as a whole, beyond religious and national boundaries.
“Muhammadiyah never stops thinking, never stops striving to understand and apply Islamic teachings in ways that are meaningful today,” he said.
This commitment to thoughtful renewal, he added, is in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who encouraged ijtihad as a way to seek the truth and apply Islamic values in daily life.
“It is in this spirit that the Unified Global Hijri Calendar was created, so Muslims around the world can observe important religious events on the same dates,” said Syafiq.
The UGHC was officially launched on June 26, 2025, and has begun to be used since 1 Muharram 1447. The launch was held at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta and marked a historic moment in efforts to bring greater unity to the global Muslim community.
