How Many Days Left Until Ramadan 2025? Check the Schedule from the Government, Muhammadiyah, and NU

Kapanlagi.com - The holy month of Ramadan 2025 is approaching, and Muslims around the world, including in Indonesia, are starting to feel the excitement to welcome it. The question that arises is, when will the first day of fasting begin? As in previous years, the determination of 1 Ramadan in Indonesia can vary between the government, Muhammadiyah, and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), depending on the method used to determine the start of the Hijri month.

Muhammadiyah has already established that the start of fasting in 2025 falls on Saturday, March 1, 2025, using the wujudul hilal calculation method. Meanwhile, NU and the government are still waiting for the isbat meeting scheduled for February 28, 2025. If the hilal is sighted on that day, then fasting will begin on March 1. However, if the hilal is not sighted, it is highly likely that the start of Ramadan will be pushed back to March 2, 2025.

So, what are the predictions for the start of fasting in 2025 according to the government and other Islamic organizations? Will Muslims in Indonesia start fasting simultaneously this year? Let's take a look at the interesting review below, summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Thursday (27/2).

1. Start of Fasting 2025 According to the Government, NU, and Muhammadiyah

In Indonesia, the determination of the beginning of the month of Ramadan is carried out using the method of hisab (astronomical calculations) and rukyatul hilal (direct moon observation), which serves as the basis for the government and NU in establishing the start of fasting, while Muhammadiyah only uses hisab without the need for rukyat.

a. Start of Fasting 2025 According to Muhammadiyah

Muhammadiyah has determined that 1 Ramadan 1446 H falls on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This decision is based on the method of hisab hakiki wujudul hilal, which means that if the hilal is already above the horizon at sunset, then the next day is considered the beginning of the new month.

b. Start of Fasting 2025 According to the Government

The government will determine the start of Ramadan through a isbat meeting which will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025. The method used is a combination of hisab and rukyatul hilal at various observation points throughout Indonesia. If the hilal is sighted, then fasting will begin on March 1, 2025, but if it is not sighted, then the start of Ramadan may be postponed to March 2, 2025.

c. Start of Fasting 2025 According to NU

NU will also wait for the results of rukyatul hilal on February 28, 2025, before establishing the start of Ramadan. If the hilal is sighted, NU will follow Muhammadiyah's schedule by starting fasting on March 1, 2025, but if the hilal is not sighted, the start of fasting may be postponed to March 2, 2025, in accordance with the results of the government's isbat meeting.

2. Potential Differences in the Start of Ramadan in Indonesia

Every year, the debate about the start of Ramadan fasting in Indonesia always attracts the attention of Muslims, especially due to differences in calculation and observation methods that can result in different dates. If the crescent moon is sighted on February 28, 2025, then both the government and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) will start fasting on March 1, in line with Muhammadiyah.

However, if the crescent moon is not visible, it is highly likely that fasting will begin on March 2, while Muhammadiyah will still adhere to March 1. Researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have revealed that this difference may occur, depending on the position of the moon at maghrib on February 28, which does not always meet the MABIMS criteria.

If the sky is cloudy and the crescent moon is not visible, the isbat session may decide on istikmal, which means that the month of Sha'ban will be counted as 30 days, thus delaying the start of fasting by one day. Although this difference is not new and often occurs, the government and scholars always encourage the community to respect differing views.

3. Determination Session and Criteria for Government Crescent Visibility

The determination session, an important moment awaited by Muslims, will be held on February 28, 2025, at the H.M. Rasjidi Auditorium, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Central Jakarta.

In this session, astronomers, representatives of Islamic organizations, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and the Supreme Court will gather to determine the beginning of the Hijri month, including the holy month of Ramadan.

Referring to the MABIMS criteria, which require the crescent to be visible at a minimum altitude of 3 degrees and elongation of 6.4 degrees, the calculations indicate that on that date, the crescent in Aceh is expected to reach an altitude of 4.5 degrees. This means all signs point to the possibility that the beginning of Ramadan will fall on March 1, 2025.

4. Tips for Fasting Healthily and Comfortably

Observing fasting in a healthy and fit manner is very important to keep the body strong throughout the month of Ramadan. Here are some tips that can be applied:

Eat a balanced pre-dawn meal

• Consume complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, or oatmeal for lasting energy.
• Add protein from eggs, chicken, fish, or tofu and tempeh to maintain muscle mass.
• Avoid salty and overly sweet foods to prevent dehydration.

Drink enough water

• Use a 2-4-2 pattern, which means 2 glasses of water at breaking fast, 4 glasses at night, and 2 glasses at pre-dawn meal to avoid dehydration.
• Stay active with light exercise
• Engage in light exercises such as walking or yoga after breaking fast to keep the body fit without feeling exhausted.
• Get enough and quality sleep
• Try to sleep at least 6-7 hours a day to keep the body refreshed and not easily fatigued while fasting.

5. FAQ

1. When does Ramadan fasting begin in 2025?

According to predictions, 1 Ramadan 1446 H falls on Saturday, March 1, 2025, but certainty awaits the government’s isbat meeting.

2. Is the start of fasting in 2025 the same for everyone?

Muhammadiyah sets March 1, 2025, while NU and the government are still waiting for the rukyatul hilal on February 28, 2025.

3. How do Muhammadiyah and NU determine the start of Ramadan?

Muhammadiyah uses the hisab wujudul hilal method, while NU and the government rely on rukyatul hilal and the isbat meeting.

4. Why can the start of fasting differ each year?

Differences occur due to varying methods of determining the hilal, as well as weather factors that can affect the visibility of the hilal.

5. What is discussed in the isbat meeting for determining 1 Ramadan?

The isbat meeting discusses hisab data, the results of rukyatul hilal, and the final decision on the start of Ramadan based on MABIMS criteria.

(kpl/rmt)