MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Muhammadiyah officially launched the Unified Global Hijri Calendar (UGHC) at the Convention Hall of Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta, on Wednesday, June 25. It showed a significant step of Muhammadiyah efforts to promote unity among Muslims worldwide through a standardized Islamic calendar.
President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir emphasized that the UGHC is more than just a calendar. It’s a way to foster greater unity in the Muslim world.
“The launch of UGHC is key to uniting Muslims globally, not only in terms of the calendar but also in many other areas,” said Haedar.
The event was attended by Muhammadiyah leaders, scholars, and international guests, including representatives from Iran, Palestine, Sudan, Malaysia, and Egypt. Their presence reflected strong international support for the UGHC initiative.
The Ambassador of Iran to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, expressed full support for Muhammadiyah efforts.
“I’m pleased to attend today’s event and appreciate Muhammadiyah’s invitation to participate. We fully support the idea of unifying the Hijri calendar,” he said, adding that he hoped UGHC would be widely accepted across the Muslim world.
Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, also welcomed the launch. He said the calendar could help spread Islamic values and strengthen the Muslim community globally.
“On behalf of the people and leadership of Palestine, who are suffering under occupation, I hope this meaningful event will also bring peace, safety, and calm to the people of Palestine,” stated Zuhair Al-Shun.
Zuhair Al-Shun added that Muhammadiyah, as the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, has an important role in educating and guiding Muslims around the world on the significance of a unified calendar.
The Ambassador of Sudan to Indonesia, Yassir Mohamed Ali Mohamed, shared similar support. He praised the UGHC as a scientifically and religiously grounded initiative and emphasized Indonesia’s potential to lead change in the global Islamic world.
“This is an important step for the Muslim world. With this calendar, Muslims will no longer be divided over key dates,” said Yassir.
Yassir also hoped that the UGHC would help unify Muslims during major Islamic events like Ramadan and Hajj. “InshaAllah, it will lead to unity in both feeling and time,” he added.
The Religious Attaché of the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta, Shamsuri Bin Ghazali, expressed appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s intellectual contribution through the UGHC.
“I’ve been looking forward to this. Muhammadiyah initiative is a meaningful effort to bring the ummah together,” said Shamsuri.
Shamsuri hoped the broader Muslim world would welcome the UGHC and acknowledged that, while challenges remain, it could have a lasting positive impact.
Egypt’s Charge d’Affaires, Osama Hamdy, also praised the initiative. He commended Muhammadiyah for consistently applying Islamic teachings in practical ways.
“The effort to unify the Hijri calendar across the Muslim world is something that deserves recognition,” said Osama.
Osama noted that if more Muslim countries accepted the unified calendar, it could help align Islamic beliefs and organize joint religious efforts on a global scale.
