MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — The Grand Imam of Hagia Sophia Mosque, Ferruh Mustuer Kimdir, mentioned the need for a global Islamic calendar as an essential means to unite Muslims globally. Such a calendar could serve as a reference for worldly affairs (muamalah) and religious worship.
“The global Islamic calendar of Turkey 1427/2016 is gaining momentum for potential adoption. According to Deputy Chair of the European Fatwa and Research Council Ahmed Jaballah, most of the Muslims in Europe has already embraced it,” said Deputy Chair of the Muhammadiyah Council for Islamic Thought and Judgment Susiknan Azhari on Thursday (August 31).
Muhammadiyah plans to launch the global Islamic calendar, with calculations for the next 100 years as a reference. Ahmed Jaballah praised this initiative in the Tarjih discussion on “Integrated Global Hijri Calendar and the Experiences of Muslims in Europe.”
Moreover, the Directorate of Religious Affairs in Turkiye plays essential roles in implementing and promoting the global Islamic calendar.
Meanwhile, members of MABIMS (the Council of Religions and Beliefs of Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore) are striving to find an agreement by combining the results of Turkey’s 1437/2016 calendar and Jakarta’s 1438/2017 recommendations. They refer to Turkiye’s core concept of the global Islamic calendar and the Jakarta recommendation criteria.
Susiknan suggested that Turkey’s global Islamic calendar for 1437/2016, with its balanced approach, is currently the most suitable option. However, it remains open to refinement. The strict criteria, requiring 3 degrees and an elongation of 6 degrees, can also be integrated into future unified Islamic calendars, focusing on implementing changes through mutually agreed-upon mechanisms.
During the transition and improvement process, it’s essential to collaborate on Turkey’s conference resolutions. This will aid in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed Islamic calendar concept.
Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain ongoing monitoring and evaluation to identify countries prepared to adopt the global Islamic calendar and those grappling with challenges related to religious beliefs or the acceptance of science and technology. This mapping process is pivotal in educating and acquainting Muslims in Europe and globally with the global Islamic calendar as a shared reference.
