MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir mentioned three reasons why Muhammadiyah applies a method of hisab wujudul hilal (an astronomical calculation).
First, the method implementation is based on theological foundations from al-Qur’an and hadiths. Many verses of al-Qur’an mention the hisab method to determine times, and so do the hadiths.
Second, science underlies the method application. Islam is a religion in line with science. Muhammadiyah believes the idea of wujud is dealing with existence. Hilal (the crescent of the moon) can be observed through a scientific tool or product.
“Muhammadiyah believes that an invisible thing does not mean that it does not exist. Thus, this movement defines wujud as existence,” said Haedar in the media gathering of Muhammadiyah on Tuesday (18/4) at the Muhammadiyah Office of Yogyakarta.
Third, practicality is the other reason for the method use. Allah mentions that religious practices should ease the believers instead of burdening them. Muhammadiyah believes that religion provides easiness.
“Muhammadiyah views a lot of easiness in the hisab method,” said Haedar.
One of them is that people will easily make plans because time is essential for Muslims.
“The hisab method enables people to calculate the beginning of the month in next 50 to 100 years. Determining it day-1 will be troublesome. The method will ease people in all life aspects as there is certainty,” mentioned Haedar.
According to Haedar, the hisab method is an answer to determine important Islamic dates since Muslims can arrange their schedule for other activities besides performing worship.
Thus, Muhammadiyah is attempting to encourage Muslims worldwide to have a global Islamic calendar.
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