Eid al-Fitr Falls on Thursday, Gov’t Announces

Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Chairperson of the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) KH Abdullah Jaidi, and Deputy Head of Commission VIII Ace H Syadzili announce isbat meeting result at the Office of Ministry of Religious Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday (11/5). (Photo by: Ministry of Religious Affairs PR)

The Government has announced that the first day of Shawwal 1442 Hijri, which marks the Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri celebration, falls on Thursday, 13 May 2021.

The decision is made based on the result of the isbat meeting held in Jakarta, Tuesday (11/5).

“The isbat meeting determines 1 Syawal 1442 Hijri to fall on Thursday, 13 May 2021,” said Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in a press conference after the isbat meeting at the Office of Ministry of Religious Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday (11/5).

According to the Minister, the meeting took on this decision for two reasons.

First, we have heard the explanation from Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Hijri Calendar Unification Team which states that the height of the hilal (new moon) throughout Indonesia is below the horizon, which ranges from minus 5.6 to minus 4.4 degrees.

“With this position, the hilal is not possible to be seen,” he said.

Second, we have heard reports from a number of hilal seekers that of 88 observation points from Aceh to Papua provinces, none of them can see the hilal, he added.

For these two reasons, the Isbat Council announced that Ramadan this year will have 30 days and the beginning of Shawwal will fall on Thursday, 13 May 2021.

The Minister once again reminded all Muslims to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols in celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

“Since the Eid celebration is still amid the pandemic, I remind everyone to always follow health protocols,” he said. (PR of Ministry of Religious Affairs/UN) (EST/MUR)