MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Syamsul Anwar emphasized the urgent need for a Unified Global Hijri Calendar during the National Forum held in Yogyakarta on Saturday, April 19. He stressed that having one global Islamic calendar is key to strengthening unity among Muslims worldwide.
In his remarks, Syamsul highlighted several religious foundations that support the importance of a unified calendar system for Muslims. He began by citing the Qur’an, Surah Al-Anbiya verse 92:
“Indeed, this religion of yours is ˹only˺ one, …”
According to Syamsul Anwar, this verse supports the idea that a unified approach to managing time can help bring Muslims together.
He also referenced Surah Saba verse 28, which describes the universal mission of Prophet Muhammad.
“We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a deliverer of good news and a warner to all of humanity, …”
Syamsul explained that part of fulfilling this universal mission is creating a global calendar that allows Muslims everywhere to follow the same timeline for religious and civil matters.
Syamsul further quoted Surah Al-Baqarah verse 189.
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about the phases of the moon. Say, “They are a means for people to determine time and pilgrimage.”
Syamsul pointed out that the Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle, is meant to serve both religious and everyday needs of Muslims across the world.
A unified calendar would allow Muslims to observe important religious practices, like fasting on the Day of Arafah, on the same day globally.
He also referred to a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad.
“The fast is the day the people fast, the breaking of the fast is the day the people break their fast, and the sacrifice is the day the people sacrifice.” [at-Tirmidzi, al-Baihaqi, ad-Daraqutni, dan Abu Dawud].
Syamsul noted that the use of the plural indicates the collective nature of these observances, further emphasizing the need for a shared calendar.
Thus, the national forum served as a platform for Muhammadiyah to reaffirm its commitment to promoting the unified global hijri calendar. The calendar is not just a scheduling tool. It’s a way to strengthen unity and reflect the universal values of Islam.
