In the gentle quiet that precedes the dawning of a sacred month, communities across Indonesia hold their breath in a shared ritual of counting days and gazing to the sky — not out of uncertainty, but out of reverence for the rhythm of time that governs hearts and worship alike.
As the lunar crescent draws near its delicate arc once more, the question of when Ramadan will begin in 2026 has become a thoughtful conversation among religious scholars, scientists, and believers. This year, as in the years past, different trusted authorities — Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, the Government, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) — each offer their perspective rooted in tradition, astronomy, and community practice.
For many, the start of Ramadan is more than a date; it is a passage into reflection, humility, and shared purpose. Muhammadiyah, guided by its hisab hakiki calculation method and the Kalender Hijriah Global Tunggal (KHGT), has announced that the first day of fasting will fall on February 18, 2026. This approach draws from a global astronomical framework, looking beyond local skies to determine the new month’s threshold.
Meanwhile, both NU and the Government emphasize observation of the sky close to home, using rukyatul hilal or physical moon sighting. They expect the Ramadan fast to begin on February 19, 2026, pending the results of Indonesia’s official sidang isbat — the meeting where scholars, astronomers, and officials meet to confirm the crescent’s sighting.
BRIN’s researchers offer a nuanced view in this celestial dialogue. Astronomers suggest that depending on whether local or global visibility criteria are applied, the lunar crescent’s position could support either February 18 or 19 as the first day of Ramadan. Their projections highlight how scientific insight and communal practice intersect, inviting reflection on how different traditions find harmony within diversity.
For many Indonesians, these slight variances in date do not diminish the shared spirit of the month; rather, they illustrate the tapestry of knowledge and faith woven into daily life. Families preparing their hearts and homes will remember that, whether the fast begins on the 18th or 19th, the essence of Ramadan — compassion, discipline, and unity — remains unchanged.
As the crescent moon draws nearer and the community’s anticipation builds, observers across the archipelago await the official announcement, knowing that this sacred beginning will soon define a month of deep spiritual meaning for millions.
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Sources:
Tempo (English) MedanAktual CNBC Indonesia Detik.com Inilah Mozaik