Eid al-Fitr is one of the most anticipated moments for Muslims after completing a full month of fasting during Ramadan. Besides marking the end of fasting, the celebration is also closely associated with traditions such as visiting relatives, asking for forgiveness, and gathering with family members.
As Ramadan approaches each year, many people begin to wonder exactly when Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated. In Indonesia, this question often arises because there is sometimes a difference in the determination of the holiday between the government and Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah.
These differences usually occur due to the different methods used to determine the beginning of the Islamic month, including the determination of 1 Shawwal, which marks the day of Eid al-Fitr.
Different Methods for Determining Eid al-Fitr
In Indonesia, the government determines the beginning of the Hijri month using the rukyatul hilal method, which involves direct observation of the crescent moon after sunset. The results of these observations are then discussed in an isbat session organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs along with various related parties.
The isbat session serves as the official forum to determine the start of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. The decision from this meeting becomes the official reference for Muslims across Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah uses the hisab method, which is an astronomical calculation used to determine the position of the moon. Through this method, important dates in the Islamic calendar can be predicted well in advance without waiting for the physical sighting of the crescent moon.
The difference between these two approaches rukyat and hisab is what sometimes causes the celebration of Islamic holidays in Indonesia to fall on different dates.
Determination of Eid al-Fitr 2026 According to Muhammadiyah
The Central Board of Muhammadiyah has already announced the schedule for Eid al-Fitr in 2026. The decision is stated in Muhammadiyah Decree (Maklumat) Number 02/MLM/I.0/E/2025, which outlines the calculation results for the start of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhulhijjah in 1447 Hijri.
Based on calculations through the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT), Muhammadiyah has determined that 1 Shawwal 1447 H will fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.
This means Muslims who follow Muhammadiyah’s determination are expected to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on that date.
Prediction of Eid al-Fitr 2026 According to the Government
Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has not yet officially determined the date for 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri. The official announcement will be made through the isbat session held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs near the end of Ramadan.
However, an initial prediction can be seen in the Indonesian Hijri Calendar for 2026 issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. According to the calendar, 1 Shawwal 1447 H is predicted to fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
This prediction is also consistent with the Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) of Three Ministers regarding national holidays and collective leave in 2026. The decree states that the national holiday for Eid al-Fitr is scheduled for March 21–22, 2026.
Even so, the date remains a prediction because the final decision will depend on the results of the isbat session.
Public Advised to Await Official Decision
Differences in determining the date of Eid are not new in Indonesia. Over the years, the public has become accustomed to these differences and generally responds with mutual respect.
The government also encourages people to wait for the official announcement from the isbat session that will be conducted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs toward the end of Ramadan.
Therefore, even if there is a difference in the celebration date between the government and Muhammadiyah, Muslims are expected to continue observing the holiday with devotion while maintaining unity and harmony.
Ultimately, Eid al-Fitr is not only about the exact date of the celebration, but also about strengthening togetherness, forgiving one another, and maintaining strong bonds of friendship after completing the fasting month of Ramadan.
Source: CNN Indonesia
