Perak: The Perak Mufti Department has advised Muslims to refrain from speculating on the date of 1 Syawal and to wait for the official announcement from the authorities. The department emphasized the importance of remaining calm and recognizing that variations in projections are common within the field of falak, or Islamic astronomy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Hijri calendar available to the public is based on hisab, or astronomical calculations, meant to guide annual planning. However, the official determination of 1 Syawal depends on the rukyah hilal, or new moon sighting process, conducted on the evening of 29 Ramadan, along with the declaration by the relevant authority. The department highlighted that any discrepancies between calendar projections and official announcements are not unusual in determining the beginning of Islamic months.
The statement elaborated that Malaysia uses an integrated approach combining rukyah and hisab. From a falak perspective, the hilal, or crescent moon, generally has the potential to be sighted when it is above the horizon at sunset. However, in Malaysia, factors such as altitude and the moon-sun distance, known as elongation, influence the hilal's visibility. A hilal positioned too low or near the horizon presents a weak visibility potential, even if it exists theoretically. Consequently, the mere presence of the hilal above the horizon does not ensure physical visibility.
Weather conditions, including thick clouds, haze, or atmospheric disturbances, further complicate the observation process. The department noted that although calculations might indicate the hilal could be sighted, weather factors could impede actual visibility. Conversely, under optimal atmospheric conditions, which are rare in Malaysia, the hilal might be successfully sighted. This indicates that determination relies not only on calculation data but also on actual field observations.
The department explained that hilal parameters change annually, and this year, the position of the Syawal hilal is lower and more challenging to observe compared to 2022, making sighting it technically more difficult. Nevertheless, the final decision will rely on actual observation findings, the established verification process, and the announcement by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal.
The Perak Mufti Department also advised the public to plan and prepare for Aidilfitri early to avoid last-minute challenges. Social media has seen viral discussions expressing concerns that 1 Syawal this year might fall on March 20 (Friday) instead of the expected March 21 (Saturday). This situation is reminiscent of 2022 when Aidilfitri was celebrated a day earlier than anticipated.