Schedule for the Beginning of Fasting 2025: Government, Muhammadiyah, and NU Determinations You Need to Know

Kapanlagi.com - The holy month of Ramadan is always a moment awaited by Muslims around the world, including in Indonesia. As a month filled with blessings, Ramadan is the perfect time for Muslims to enhance their worship and strengthen togetherness. One of the most anticipated moments each year is the determination of the beginning of fasting, which marks the start of this holy month.

In Indonesia, the determination of the beginning of Ramadan is carried out in various ways. The government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), holds an isbat session to determine the date of the beginning of fasting based on the observation of the new moon. On the other hand, religious organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah also have their own methods, which sometimes result in differences in the determination of the beginning of fasting.

So, when will the beginning of Ramadan 2025 actually start? Will there be differences this year like in previous years, or might we see similarities in its determination? Summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, here is the schedule and methods used by the Government, NU, and Muhammadiyah in determining the beginning of Ramadan 1446 Hijriah.

1. Initial Determination of Ramadan 2025 by the Government

The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) will determine the beginning of Ramadan 2025 by holding a hopeful and tense isbat session. This session is scheduled for February 28, 2025, coinciding with the 29th of Sha'ban in the Hijri calendar.

In this important moment, two main methods—hisab and rukyat—will be combined to ensure the accuracy of the crescent moon's determination. Data from various monitoring points across the archipelago will serve as the basis for the official decision.

If the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan will begin the following day; if not, Sha'ban will continue for 30 days. Meanwhile, Kemenag has estimated that the beginning of Ramadan 1446 H will fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025, but all of this is still awaiting confirmation from the eagerly anticipated isbat session.

2. Beginning of Ramadan 2025 According to Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has a unique way of determining the beginning of Ramadan that combines rukyat, which is the observation of the crescent moon, and hisab, which is astronomical calculation. In this tradition, NU conducts rukyat in strategic locations such as the west coast and high-rise buildings to achieve the best visibility of the crescent moon.

The Falakiyah Institute of PBNU will announce the results of the crescent moon observation after rukyat is conducted on February 28, 2025. If the crescent moon is sighted, Muslims will begin fasting on March 1, 2025. However, if the crescent moon is not visible, NU will apply the principle of istikmal, completing the month of Sha'ban to 30 days.

Although there has been no official announcement from NU yet, it is highly likely that the beginning of fasting in 2025 will align with the government's decision, expected to start on March 1, 2025.

3. The Beginning of Ramadan 2025 According to Muhammadiyah

Muhammadiyah, with its distinctive scientific approach, determines the beginning of Ramadan through pure hisab method, without waiting for the results of rukyat. They adhere to the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT) that has been established long before the government's isbat meeting, allowing the Muhammadiyah community to have certainty earlier.

Based on careful calculations, 1 Ramadan 1446 H will fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and interestingly, Idul Fitri 1446 H is expected to be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

With this decision, Muhammadiyah demonstrates its commitment to facilitating the community in carrying out fasting and celebrating the holiday.

4. Will This Year’s Start of Ramadan Be Uniform?

The debate regarding the start of fasting among the government, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and Muhammadiyah is not new in Indonesia; however, this year seems to bring a breath of fresh air. After several years of differing dates, there is hope that all parties will agree to celebrate the start of Ramadan on March 1, 2025.

The calculation method used by Muhammadiyah has provided confidence in that date, and the government and NU are expected to follow the same calculations.

If this agreement is realized, Muslims in the homeland have the opportunity to observe fasting simultaneously, creating a more harmonious moment of togetherness without the division of dates as seen in previous years.

5. How Prepared Are We to Face Ramadan?

As Ramadan approaches, physical and spiritual preparation is key to welcoming this holy month with abundant blessings.

Let us start by organizing a healthy diet, increasing our water intake, and getting accustomed to observing sunnah fasts so that our bodies can adapt well.

Remember, Ramadan is not just about abstaining from hunger and thirst, but it is also a golden moment to deepen the quality of worship and draw closer to Allah SWT.

6. Can the government's isbat meeting change the start date of Ramadan?

Yes, the isbat meeting can still change the start date of fasting if the hilal is not visible on February 28, 2025. If the hilal is not visible, the start of Ramadan may be postponed by one day.

7. Why has Muhammadiyah determined the start of Ramadan earlier than the government?

Muhammadiyah uses the hisab method (astronomical calculation) which allows them to set the hijri calendar well in advance, without waiting for the results of the hilal observation.

8. Does the difference in the start of Ramadan affect fasting worship?

Not directly. Muslims are encouraged to follow the decisions of local organizations or governments in determining the start of fasting according to their beliefs and the methods used.

9. How to officially ensure the fasting schedule for 2025?

The official schedule for the start of Ramadan is announced through the isbat session of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, announcements from PBNU, and the decision of Muhammadiyah, which can be accessed through mass media and the official websites of each organization.

(kpl/rmt)