In a historic move towards global Islamic unity, the Muhammadiyah Council for Fatwa and Renewal officially adopted a global hijri calendar. This decision, announced at the the 32nd National Conference on Sunday, February 2, reflects Muhammadiyah longstanding commitment to fostering unity among Muslims worldwide.
The global hijri calendar, an innovative approach based on the principle of a unified global date for each hijri day, received strong support from the conference participants. This decision builds upon the 2015 mandate issued by the Central Board of Muhammadiyah during the 47th Muhammadiyah Congress (Muktamar Muhammadiyah) in Makassar, which called for accommodating the global hijri calendar.
The global hijri calendar concept draws upon both Islamic legal principles and scientific reasoning for its foundation. Key Quranic verses referenced in support of the calendar include those found in Surahs Al-Isra verse 12; Yasin verse 39-40; Al-Baqarah verse 189; Yunus verse 5; At-Taubah verse 36-37; and Ar-Rahman verse 5. Additionally, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad regarding the simultaneous fasting of all Muslims is cited as a crucial point of reference.
The implementation of the global hijri caledar hinges on a set of principles, conditions, and parameters linked to the lunar synodic cycle. This approach views all global regions as a unified entity (ittihad al-mathali’), with the new month commencing simultaneously across the world. The KHGT establishes that a new month begins if specific criteria are met before midnight GMT (00.00) anywhere on Earth. These criteria include a minimum elongation of 8 degrees and a minimum altitude of the crescent moon above the horizon at sunset of 5 degrees.
Muhammadiyah’s adoption of the global hijri calendar transcends its practical timekeeping function, serving as a collective effort to strengthen global Islamic unity. Recognizing the significance of unity in timekeeping, Muhammadiyah contributes positively towards achieving this objective.
The Chair of the Muhammadiyah Council for Fatwa and Renewal Hamim Ilyas announced that the decision will be submitted to the Central Board of Muhammadiyah for immediate ratification (tanfidz). Once ratified, the global hijri calendar will be officially implemented.
