Check the Schedule for the Isbat Session of Ramadan 2025, Complete with Its Stages

Kapanlagi.com - With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims across Indonesia are once again looking forward to an important moment: the Isbat session that will determine the start of fasting. This session, initiated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), will involve various authorities in determining the start of the Hijri month, including representatives from Islamic organizations, astronomers, and scholars.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has officially announced that the Isbat session for 2025 will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the H.M. Rasjidi Auditorium, Kemenag Office, Central Jakarta. The Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, will lead the session, which consists of several important stages before the final decision is announced to the public.

In this session, the methods used are a combination of hisab calculations and rukyatul hilal. Interestingly, based on astronomical data, the conjunction marking the beginning of Ramadan is expected to occur on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 07:44 WIB, with a promising height of the crescent above the horizon. What are the complete stages of this session? Here is the explanation.

1. Astronomical Data Presentation: Determining the Position of the Crescent Moon

In the early stages of the Isbat session, astronomers present important astronomical data to determine the position of the crescent moon. The calculation method is used to determine the position of the crescent moon on the specified date.

The Director of Islamic Affairs and Sharia Development at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Arsad Hidayat, revealed that according to calculations, the initial conjunction of Ramadan 1446 H will occur on Friday, February 28, 2025, at around 07:44 WIB. On that day, the crescent moon is expected to be at a height sufficient to be seen throughout Indonesia, ranging from 3 5.91' to 4 40.96' above the horizon.

With a position that meets these criteria, there is a great hope that the crescent moon will be visible. "With these criteria, astronomically, there is a strong indication that the crescent moon will be seen. However, we will wait for the final decision based on the results of the isbat session that will be announced by the Minister of Religious Affairs," said Arsad as quoted from kemenag.go.id.

2. Rukyatul Hilal: Direct Verification in the Field

After presenting astronomical data, the next step is to conduct verification through rukyatul hilal, which is direct observation of the crescent moon from various parts of Indonesia. The Ministry of Religious Affairs collaborates with the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in various regions to ensure that this monitoring is carried out accurately.

The results of this calculation and observation will be presented in a isbat meeting led by the Minister of Religious Affairs, to ensure that the determination of the beginning of Ramadan is based not only on mathematical calculations but also on direct empirical observations.

3. Deliberation and Decision Making

After the rukyatul hilal is conducted, the next step is deliberation among the parties present at the Isbat Meeting. Here, various views from scholars, astronomy experts, and representatives of Islamic organizations are carefully considered before a final decision is made.

The results of this deliberation will serve as a basis for the government to announce exactly when 1 Ramadan 1446 H begins, marking the arrival of the holy month filled with hope and togetherness.

4. Announcement of the Isbat Session Results

The initial determination phase of Ramadan is approaching its peak! In the long-awaited Isbat Session, the Minister of Religion will announce the results live, which can be witnessed by the entire Indonesian community.

If the new moon is sighted and meets the established criteria, we will welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1446 H on Saturday, March 1, 2025. However, if the new moon is not visible, then the month of Sha'ban will be completed to 30 days, and we will start Ramadan on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Prepare yourselves to welcome this blessed month!

5. Differences in the Determination of the Beginning of Ramadan in Muhammadiyah

In the midst of preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, Muhammadiyah has previously announced that 1 Ramadan 1446 H will fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This determination is based on the method of hisab hakiki wujudul hilal, which serves as a guideline for Muhammadiyah in determining the beginning of the Hijri month.

Although there are differences in the determination methods, it is hoped that the community can respect each other's decisions and continue to maintain ukhuwah Islamiyah while performing worship in this blessed month.

6. FAQ

1. When will the Ramadhan 2025 Confirmation Session be held?

The Confirmation Session will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the H.M. Rasjidi Auditorium, Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Central Jakarta.

2. Who is involved in the Confirmation Session?

This session is attended by the Minister of Religious Affairs, representatives of Islamic organizations, MUI, BMKG, astronomy experts, as well as representatives from the DPR and the Supreme Court.

3. What method is used in the Confirmation Session?

The method used is hisab (astronomical calculation) and rukyatul hilal (direct observation of the crescent moon).

4. Does Muhammadiyah have a different determination method?

Yes, Muhammadiyah uses the method of hisab hakiki wujudul hilal and has established that 1 Ramadhan falls on March 1, 2025.

(kpl/rmt)