MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir called the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (UGHC) a necessity for Muslims as they face the challenges of globalization. Speaking at the UGHC launch at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta (UNISA) on Wednesday, June 25, Haedar emphasized that Muslims should adapt and unite through the calendar system.
Haedar illustrated globalization with “a giant train” that could run over those who are unprepared, but also a powerful vehicle for those ready to face it.
“Today, we can not rely only on local calendars, except for certain needs. A global calendar is a major effort (jihad akbar) and a shared ijtihad for Muslims to respond to global changes,” said Haedar.
According to Haedar, Islam is a cosmopolitan religion with universal values. Citing the Quranic verse, “Wama arsalnaka illa rahmatan lil ‘alamin” (Al-Anbya: 107), he said, “Islam was sent as a mercy to the whole world.”
Haedar highlighted how Islam has always had a global character, spreading across continents, from the Arabian Peninsula to North Africa, Europe, the Balkans, Russia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, despite the limited transportation of earlier times.
“That’s proof that Islam has been global from the beginning,” expressed Haedar.
Haedar believed that in today’s borderless world, Muslims need a unified Hijri calendar to align their religious observances.
“We need one calendar, one date, one day for the entire Muslim world,” emphasized Haedar.
He also affirmed Muhammadiyah commitment to Indonesia’s national identity, as reflected in its support for Pancasila and the Darul Ahdi Wasyahadah document. Still, he argued, adopting a global Hijri calendar is a strategic step for the wider good.
From the perspective of unity, Haedar highlighted that Islam teaches strong values of ukhuwah (brotherhood), citing the Quranic verse “Innamal mukminuna ikhwah” (Al-Hujurat: 10) and the command to hold firmly to the rope of Allah and not be divided (Ali Imran: 103).
However, Haedar admitted that unity has been hard to achieve in two areas: the ongoing crisis in Palestine and the disagreement over Hijri calendar dates. He pointed out how confusing it is when Muslims in different places begin Ramadan, Eid, or the Day of Arafah on different dates, even up to three days apart.
“The movement of the moon, sun, and earth is certain, so why is there a difference?” asked Haedar.
Despite these challenges, Haedar stressed that Muhammadiyah is open to dialogue and collaboration to reach consensus.
“It might take 10, 50, or even 100 years, but Muhammadiyah will patiently wait,” said Haedar.
Haedar praised the efforts of individuals and organizations that have pushed for a similar vision and encouraged all parties to set aside their interests for the sake of unity.
“No system is perfect. However, let’s sit down together for one goal: one day, one date,” said Haedar.
Scientifically, Haedar explained that Muhammadiyah uses hisab (astronomical calculations) as the foundation of the calendar, alongside the principle that one date should apply worldwide. He noted that both hisab and rukyat (moon sightings) have support in the Qur’an and Hadith. He cited Ibn Umar’s hadith “fa in ghumma faqdurullahu” and Qur’anic verses on the orbits of the sun and moon (Yunus: 5).
Haedar reassured that changing the method of determining dates should not be feared.
“Methods are only tools to reach the goal,” he said. Muhammadiyah’s own history shows this, as it once moved from rukyat to hisab hakiki to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Haedar also referred to the principle of falsifiability in science, which allows ideas to be tested and improved.
“If this calendar is criticized, we’re open to it. Even a mistaken ijtihad still earns reward,” he added.
Haedar hoped that the UGHC would be embraced by not only Muhammadiyah but also Muslims around the world.
“Take away the Muhammadiyah name if you must. What matters is that we are united under one calendar,” stressed Haedar.
Haedar also addressed the needs of younger generations, millennials and Gen Z, who expect clarity and certainty, like the Gregorian calendar provides.
“Christmas is always on December 25. Why can’t Eid be the same for everyone?” he said.
Although many obstacles remain, Haedar believed that through dialogues, discussions, and openness to science, Muslims can achieve a unified global Hijri calendar.
“If not now, maybe in 25, 50, or 100 years. But, don’t let it take too long. The younger generation is waiting,” emphasized Haedar.
