As in previous years, this session will involve several relevant parties, including scholars, representatives of Islamic organizations, and astronomy experts, to ensure the accurate and comprehensive determination of the fasting month’s start.
So, when will the 2025 Isbat Session begin? Here are the key points regarding its schedule.
Monitoring the Ramadan Crescent Moon at 125 Locations
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) will observe the new moon (rukyatul hilal) on February 28, 2025, at 125 locations across Indonesia to mark the beginning of Ramadan 1446 H/2025 CE.
This crescent moon observation will involve astronomy experts from the Ministry’s regional offices and local branches, in collaboration with the Religious Courts, Islamic organizations, and other relevant institutions.
“The observation of the Ramadan crescent moon will be conducted at 125 locations across Indonesia on February 28,” said the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Abu Rokhmad, in Jakarta.
Key Points of the Isbat Session for Determining the Start of Ramadan 1446 H
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), the Isbat Session for determining the start of Ramadan will proceed as follows:
Implementation of the Isbat Session
- The Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold the Isbat Session on Friday, February 28, 2025.
- The session will take place at H.M. Rasjidi Auditorium, Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Central Jakarta.
- It will be led by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, and attended by various parties, including scholars, Islamic organizations, and astronomy experts.
Astronomical Data
According to hisab (astronomical calculations), the conjunction (ijma’) for the beginning of Ramadan will occur on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 07:44 AM WIB. On that date, the crescent moon’s altitude across Indonesia will range between 3° 5.91′ and 4° 40.96′, with an elongation angle between 4° 47.03′ and 6° 24.14′.
These conditions indicate that the crescent moon is likely to be visible, meaning that the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Phases of the 2025 Ramadan Isbat Session
Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Abu Rokhmad, explained that the Isbat Session will involve several key phases:
- Presentation of Crescent Moon Position
- Explanation of the crescent moon’s position based on precise astronomical calculations.
- Verification of Crescent Moon Observation (Rukyatul Hilal)
- The process of verifying the sighting results from various observation points across Indonesia.
- Deliberation and Decision
- A discussion to reach a final decision, which will then be officially announced to the public.
Abu Rokhmad also urged the public to patiently await the Isbat Session results and the official government announcement regarding the beginning of Ramadan 1446 H. This aligns with Fatwa No. 2 of 2004 from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on the determination of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Official Announcement of the Decision
The confirmation of the first day of Ramadan 2025 will be officially announced on Friday night, February 28, 2025, following the Isbat Session.
Muhammadiyah’s Determination
Meanwhile, the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah has already declared that 1 Ramadan 1446 H will fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method.
Additionally, Muhammadiyah has determined that 1 Shawwal 1446 H (Eid al-Fitr) will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025, according to the Maklumat (official statement) from PP Muhammadiyah.
This information is crucial for Muslims in Indonesia to determine the start of the Ramadan fast, whether based on the Isbat Session results or Muhammadiyah’s decision.