“Hey, when is Eid this year?” We must have heard this question very often towards the end of Ramadan. Some have started looking for homecoming tickets, some are curious about when to prepare Eid clothes, and of course, many are waiting for the family gathering moment. But, how do you determine when Eid al-Fitr is? Come on, let’s discuss it together!
Which is More Valid: Rukyat or Hisab?
In Islam, there are two main methods to determine the beginning of the Hijri month, including 1 Syawal aka Eid al-Fitr:
- Rukyatul Hilal (Seeing the Crescent Moon Directly) This method relies on direct observation of the hilal (first crescent moon) after sunset on the 29th of Ramadan. If the hilal is visible, it means that the next day is Eid. If it is not visible, the fast is continued for another day until 30 days.
Rasulullah ﷺ said:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ : «صُومُوا لِرُؤْيَتِهِ وَأَفْطِرُوا لِرُؤْيَتِهِ، فَإِنْ غُمَّ عَلَيْكُمْ فَأَكْمِلُوا عِدَّةَ شَعْبَانَ ثَلَاثِينَ» (رواه البخاري ومسلم)
“Fast when you see the crescent moon, and break your fast when you see the crescent moon. If the crescent moon is not visible, then complete the month of Sha’ban to 30 days.” (Narrated by Bukhari No. 1776, Narrated by Muslim No. 1809).
So, based on this hadith, rukyat is the main method in determining the beginning of the Hijri month.
- Hisab (Astronomical Calculation) This method uses astronomical calculations to determine the position of the crescent moon without having to see it directly. Accurate? Scientifically, yes. But in Islam, hisab can only be a tool to help predict the results of rukyat, not as the main determinant.
According to KH. M. Shiddiq Al-Jawi, rukyat is more in accordance with sharia, while hisab can only be used as an aid in predicting rukyat results, not as the main reference (Shiddiq Al-Jawi, 2015).
So, if we follow sharia, rukyat is stronger than hisab.
Also read: Ramadhan Kareem: Time to Increase Faith and Piety!
Determination of Eid al-Fitr: Local or Global?
In addition to the differences in methods, there are also differences in how to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr:
- Local Rukyatul Hilal: Observation of the crescent moon is carried out in each country or region.
- Global Rukyatul Hilal: If someone in a place in the world has seen the crescent moon, then it applies to all Muslims.
According to KH. M. Shiddiq Al-Jawi, global rukyatul hilal is more valid than local rukyat because Islam teaches the unity of the people, not national boundaries. He emphasized that if the crescent moon has been seen in a region, Muslims throughout the world should follow the results of the rukyat (Shiddiq Al-Jawi, 2015).
Also read: Tips for a Productive I’tikaf During the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Based on global rukyat, we must wait for the observation of the crescent moon on the 29th of Ramadan. If the crescent moon is visible in one of the countries, then all Muslims in the world should join in and celebrate the feast the next day. That way, Eid al-Fitr can be celebrated simultaneously throughout the world.
Also read: How to Get Healthy and Good Suhoor
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
Can the Determination of Eid al-Fitr Be Wrong?
Sometimes, some say that the determination of Eid al-Fitr is wrong because according to hisab, the crescent moon is not yet possible to be seen. But in Islam, the benchmark is the sharia procedure. If the crescent moon is visible and the testimony is accepted by the sharia judge, then the determination is valid even though astronomically it is considered impossible.
KH. M. Shiddiq Al-Jawi also said that the differences in determining the beginning of the Hijri month have been going on for a long time. So, it doesn’t need to be a reason for division. What is important is to stick to the sharia and maintain Islamic brotherhood (Shiddiq Al-Jawi, 2015).
Also read: Secure Your Wallet, Enjoy a Stress-Free Eid
Khatimah
So, which method is more valid for determining Eid al-Fitr? Based on hadith and scholars’ opinions, rukyah (moon sighting) is the primary method to follow, while hisab (astronomical calculation) is only a supporting tool. Moreover, a global rukyah approach aligns better with the unity of the Muslim ummah than local moon sightings.
By understanding these methods, we can be more confident in determining the correct date for Eid al-Fitr. May all Muslims worldwide unite in this matter. Ameen.
Referensi
Al-Qur’an Al-Karim https://tafsirweb.com
Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail. Shahih al-Bukhari.accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/bukhari
Muslim, Abu al-Husain. Shahih Muslim. accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim.
Shiddiq Al-Jawi, M. (2015). “Mengapa Penentuan Waktu Ramadhan dan Idul Fitri Menggunakan Rukyat Sedangkan Penentuan Waktu Sholat Menggunakan Hisab”. Media Umat.
Shiddiq Al-Jawi, M. (2015). “Benarkah Penetapan Idul Fitri Hari Ini Keliru Karena Hilal Belum Mungkin Dirukyat?”. Media Umat.
Shiddiq Al-Jawi, M. (2015). “Penentuan Idul Adha Wajib Berdasarkan Rukyatul Hilal Penduduk Makkah”. Media Umat.
