Determination of the Beginning of Ramadan according to Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani

Muchammad Azkal Huda

Authors

Muchammad Azkal Huda Tsuroyya Institute Magelang Author

Keywords:

Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Ramadan, moon sighting, hisab

Abstract

This paper examines the thought of Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani regarding the determination of the beginning of Ramadan within the framework of Islamic legal methodology and classical astronomy. Ibn Hajar emphasized that moon sighting (rukyah) is the principal method based on the Prophet’s traditions, while astronomical calculation (hisab) serves only as a supporting tool for verifying doubtful reports. He categorized the authority of hisab differently for experts and laypeople and reviewed the diverse opinions of scholars from various madhhabs regarding its use, the regional sighting differences (ikhtilaf al-mathali‘), and the government’s role in announcing the beginning of the month. Applying Fazlur Rahman's double movement approach, this study interprets Ibn Hajar’s classical views in both normative and historical contexts, linking them to contemporary challenges such as the global unification of worship times. Ibn Hajar’s approach illustrates a synthesis between textual devotion (ta‘abbud) and scientific rationality (ta‘aqqul), making it a valuable model in contemporary fiqh of astronomy. The relevance of this thought lies in the integration between religious authority and scientific development, which strengthens Islamic worship practices in a more systematic and directed manner.

References

Abubakar, R. (2021). PENGANTAR METODOLOGI PENELITIAN (1 ed.). SUKA-Press UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

al-Zuhaili, W. (2011). Al-Fiqh wa Adillatuh (A. H. Al-Kattani, Penerj.; Vol. 10). Gema Insani.

an-Nawawi, A. Z. M. (t.t.). Kitab al-Majmu’ Syarh al-Muhadzab li As-Syairazi. Maktabah al-Irsyad.

Arifin, J. (2016). FIQIH HISAB RUKYAH DI INDONESIA (TELAAH SISTEM PENETAPAN AWAL BULAN QAMARIYYAH). YUDISIA : Jurnal Pemikiran Hukum Dan Hukum Islam, 5(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.21043/yudisia.v5i2.704

Azhari, S. (2008). Ensiklopedi Hisab Rukyat (2 ed.). Pustaka Pelajar.

Az-Zirikli, K. (2002). Al-A’lam. Darul ’Ilm Lil Malayin.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4 ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. https://www.pdfdrive.com/qualitative-quantitative-and-mixed-methods-approaches-e91943566.html

Hakim, S. A. (2023, April 13). Problematika Kriteria Imkanur Rukyatil Hilal dan Wujudul Hilal dalam Penentuan Awal Bulan Qomariyah. Portal Persis. https://persis.or.id/Kajian/read/problematika-kriteria-imkanur-rukyatil-hilal-dan-wujudul-hilal-dalam-penentuan-awal-bulan-qomariyah

Iskandar, M. F., Nugroho, M. H., & Laehka, A. (2024). Peran Otoritas Keagamaan dalam Penetapan 1 Syawal di Indonesia dan Thailand Serta Implikasi Sosialnya. Azimuth: Journal of Islamic Astronomy, 5(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.15642/azimuth.v5i2.2658

Izzuddin, A., Taqyudin, A., & Mahdi, S. (2007). Fiqih Hisab Rukyah: Menyatukan NU dan Muhammadiyah dalam Penentuan Awal Ramadhan, Idul Fitri dan Idul Adha. Erlangga.

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis (R. Holland, Ed.; 2 ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Ridwan. (2022). Kontestasi Mazhab Hisab dan Rukyat di Indonesia (1 ed.). Pustaka Ilmu.

Rofiuddin, A. A. (2019). DINAMIKA SOSIAL PENENTUAN AWAL BULAN HIJRIAH DI INDONESIA. istinbath, 18(2), Article 2.

Sunnatullah. (2022, Februari 26). Imam Ibnu Hajar Al-Asqalani: Ulama Besar yang Berangkat Yatim Piatu. NU Online. https://www.nu.or.id/tokoh/imam-ibnu-hajar-al-asqalani-ulama-besar-yang-berangkat-yatim-piatu-d09F1

ʿAsqalānī, A. ibn ʿAlī ibn M. ibn Ḥajar al-. (2005). Fatḥ al-Bārī bi Syarh Shahih al-Bukhari. Darul Thoybah Li an Nasyr wa at Tauzi’.