Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Following Eid al-Fitr prayers on Friday (203/2026), Muhadjir Effendy, the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board for Economy, Business, and Halal Industry, urged the Muslim community to view the differing dates of 1 Syawal 1447 H as a prime opportunity for mutual respect. 

While the government has set the holiday for Saturday, Muhammadiyah’s earlier celebration marked a significant shift toward a more scientific, global approach to timekeeping.

"This is about a difference in methodology that I believe does not need to be sharpened. Each side has strong arguments, and both are entirely possible within the faith," he said, as reported by antaranews.com.

The authorities within the organization justified their Friday celebration by highlighting the implementation of the Global Single Hijri Calendar. Under this new system, the presence of the hilal (new moon) is no longer restricted to local regional sightings but is measured globally. 

Muhammadiyah leaders noted that since the hilal appeared in Alaska on the first of the month, the date applies to the entire world simultaneously. Fadhil Mahdi, of the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM), hoped that this standardized calendar could eventually be adopted by the wider Muslim community to create a consistent, "fixed" schedule for holy months like Ramadan and Syawal. 

Despite the differing dates, many Muhammadiyah members shared that they plan to celebrate twice: performing their prayers on Friday and visiting relatives who celebrate on Saturday, jokingly noting they get "two rounds of Lebaran meals."

(mg/inp/pr/rs)