Ministry of Religious Affairs explains why 1 Muharram falls today, differing from NU

Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has announced that the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, will be observed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. This determination contrasts with the decision made by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), one of the country's largest Islamic organizations, which has set 1 Muharram for Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Arsad Hidayat, Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Guidance at Kemenag, explained that the decision was based on the 'imkanur rukyat' criteria, which assesses the possibility of sighting the new crescent moon. According to calculations on June 15, 2026, the height of the Muharram crescent ranged from 0.92 degrees in Merauke to 4.02 degrees in Sabang. The elongation angle was between 5.64 and 6.98 degrees.

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With these parameters, most of Indonesia has met the minimum MABIMS criteria. Therefore, the start of Muharram 1448 H falls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Hidayat stated that these parameters meet the minimum criteria set by MABIMS (Ministers of Religion of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore). "With these parameters, most of Indonesia has met the minimum MABIMS criteria. Therefore, the start of Muharram 1448 H falls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026," he said.

The ministry respects NU's decision, which was made after their own crescent moon sighting (rukyatul hilal) indicated the moon was not visible. NU consequently completed Zulhijah to 30 days, placing 1 Muharram on June 17. Ismail Fahmi, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Hisab Rukyat and Syariah, elaborated that methods like 'rukyatul hilal' (physical sighting) and 'wujudul hilal' (confirmation of existence) are used. He emphasized that 'imkanur rukyat,' which bridges observation and astronomical calculation, is scientifically sound, especially when weather hinders direct sightings.

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We respect the decision of PBNU.