MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Despite over 1,400 years of Islamic history, the Muslim world has yet to overcome a challenge: the absence of a unified Hijri calendar.
Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Affairs and Tajdid, Muhammad Rofiq Muzakkir, Rofiq pointed out that the absence of a unified Islamic calendar creates confusion among Muslims on the start of lunar months, causing frequent differences in the celebration of major religious occasions at both local and international levels.
According to Rofiq, Islam is a universal religion that goes beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. Thus, its timekeeping system should also reflect the universality which brings Muslims together in a shared rhythm of worship.
The Qur’an strongly supports this idea of universality as mentioned on Surah Al-Anbya verse 107:
We have sent you [O Prophet] only as a mercy for the whole world.
Rofiq also referred to Surah Saba verse 28:
We have sent you [O Prophet] only as a deliverer of good news and a warner to all of humanity.
Those verses make it clear that Islam is meant for all people across all times and places.
Therefore, Rofiq argued that Muslims need a calendar system that can serve as a global reference that allows people to observe worship in a unified and well-organized way.
The idea of unity is also central to the concept of ummatan wāhidah (one ummah/community). Rofiq pointed to Surah Al-Anbiya verse 92:
[O prophets!] Indeed, this religion of yours is ˹only˺ one, and I am your Lord, so worship Me [alone].
The same message is found in Surah Al-Mu’minun verse 52:
Surely this religion of yours is [only] one, and I am your Lord, so fear Me [alone].
Those verses show that Muslims are called to stand together in all aspects of life, including the practice of worship and celebration of religious holidays.
When Muslims around the world begin Ramadan or celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha on the same day, they’re fulfilling religious obligations and also strengthening brotherhood and togetherness that are at the heart of Islam..
Rofiq also pointed to Surah Al-Baqarah verse 189 to support the need for a universal Islamic calendar.
They ask you [O Prophet] about the phases of the moon. Say, “They are a means for people to determine time and pilgrimage.”
Rofiq explained that this verse has several key points. First, it confirms that the Hijri calendar is lunar, which is based on the moon’s cycles. Second, it emphasizes that the calendar is unified and universal. The word “linnas” in the Surah means “for people”, stressing that the calendar system is not for one community, but the whole people. Third, the calendar plays a role in daily life, helping organize social and economic activities. Finally, it serves religious purposes, such as determining the timing of Hajj, fasting, and Eid celebrations.
Without a unified global Hijri calendar, Rofiq said, differences in determining the start of Ramadan or Eid continue to cause confusion and weaken the sense of togetherness among Muslims.
“Islam teaches the value of unity and harmony. This is the spirit of ummatan wāhidah,” said Rofiq on Wednesday, June 11.
Accordingly, the unified global Hijri calendar will help Muslims around the world worship together, build stronger global solidarity, and show the world that Islam is a well-organized and unifying religion.
