JustUpdateOnline.com – Bantul. Haedar Nashir, the Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah, has issued a call for unity and restraint following the differing determinations for the 1447 Hijriah Eid Al-Fitr. Speaking after the holiday prayers at the Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, he urged religious figures and the general public to refrain from making provocative statements that could lead to social friction.
Nashir emphasized that it is vital for leaders to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He expressed his belief that the Indonesian citizenry possesses the maturity to handle these variations with grace. Rather than seeking to prove one’s own method as superior or dismissing the views of others, he suggested that the focus should remain on mutual respect and national stability.
The divergence in the 2026 holiday schedule is a result of the different astronomical methodologies employed by various organizations. Muhammadiyah officially observed the holiday on Friday, March 20, 2026. Conversely, the Indonesian government, through a formal session held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, designated Saturday, March 21, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal.
This technical difference is rooted in the specific systems used to track the lunar calendar. Muhammadiyah has transitioned to using the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT) framework. Meanwhile, the state utilizes a traditional combination of mathematical calculations and physical moon sightings to finalize the date.
Despite these differences, Nashir encouraged the Muslim community to prioritize the spiritual essence of the occasion. He noted that the primary objective of the holiday is to foster personal piety and a peaceful state of mind. By focusing on the quality of worship rather than the timing, he believes that the bonds of brotherhood across the nation can be preserved and strengthened.