RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The Eid al-Fitr 2026 date has begun to draw public attention after Muhammadiyah officially announced when Muslims following the organization will celebrate the end of Ramadan. Indonesia’s Muhammadiyah Central Board confirmed that Eid al-Fitr 2026 or 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri will fall on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Muhammadiyah issued the decision through an official statement known as maklumat. The announcement outlines the results of astronomical calculations used to determine the Islamic calendar for Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhulhijjah in 1447 Hijri.

The organization determined the Eid al-Fitr 2026 date based on the hisab method, an astronomical calculation system that measures the position of the moon and the sun to establish the beginning of Islamic months.

Official Maklumat Confirms Islamic Calendar Calculation

Muhammadiyah documented the decision in Maklumat Number 2/MLM/I.0/E/2025, which explains the calculation results for Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhulhijjah 1447 Hijri.

According to the organization, scholars used the hisab hakiki method combined with the principles and parameters of the Global Hijri Calendar (Kalender Global Hijriah Tunggal or KGHT).

This method relies on precise astronomical calculations rather than direct moon observation. Experts calculate the conjunction of the moon and sun, known as ijtimak, to determine when a new Islamic month begins.

Using this system, Muhammadiyah concluded that the Eid al-Fitr 2026 date will occur one day earlier than many initial government estimates.

Astronomical Calculation Behind the Decision

Muhammadiyah explained that the ijtimak before Shawwal will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, which corresponds to 30 Ramadan 1447 Hijri.

Astronomical calculations show that the conjunction will occur at 23 seconds past 28 minutes UTC on that date. At sunset on the same day, certain regions on Earth will already meet the visibility parameters used in the Global Hijri Calendar system.

Because the required parameters will already be fulfilled somewhere on the planet, the system recognizes the start of a new Islamic month the following day.

Based on this calculation, Muhammadiyah set Friday, March 20, 2026, as 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijri, marking the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Government Has Not Yet Announced Official Date

While Muhammadiyah has already confirmed the Eid al-Fitr 2026 date, the Indonesian government has not yet made an official announcement.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to determine the national Eid date through the isbat session, which officials have scheduled for March 19, 2026, or 29 Ramadan 1447 Hijri.

During the meeting, the government will review both astronomical data and direct moon observations from multiple observation points across Indonesia.

This process combines hisab calculations with rukyat hilal, the physical sighting of the crescent moon. Officials use both methods to ensure the final decision aligns with scientific data and Islamic legal considerations.

Potential Differences in Eid Celebrations

Differences in calculation methods sometimes lead to variations in Eid celebrations in Indonesia.

Muhammadiyah strictly applies the hisab hakiki wujudul hilal method, which declares a new Islamic month once the crescent moon exists above the horizon, regardless of whether observers can see it.

Meanwhile, the government typically combines astronomical calculations and hilal observation to determine the start of the new month.

Because of these different approaches, Muhammadiyah followers could celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2026 on March 20, while the national celebration determined by the government could fall on March 21 or March 22, according to early projections in the 2026 Hijri calendar released by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Public Awaits Final Decision

As Ramadan 1447 Hijri approaches, many Indonesian Muslims are paying close attention to updates regarding the Eid al-Fitr 2026 date.

Muhammadiyah’s announcement provides clarity for its members, but the broader public will wait for the government’s final decision through the upcoming isbat session.

The session will bring together Islamic scholars, astronomers, government officials, and representatives from major Islamic organizations to reach a consensus.

Once the meeting concludes, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will officially announce the national Eid al-Fitr 2026 date, which will determine when Muslims across Indonesia celebrate Lebaran.