The Observatory of Astronomy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (OIF UMSU) held its 25th Observatory and Astronomy Discussion (DOA) virtually through Zoom Meeting on Saturday (June 17), with 35 participants.
In this 25th DOA event, OIF UMSU chose the theme ‘Integration of Islamic Anthropology and Astronomy: A Study of the Book Irsyād Ahl al-Milla ilā Itsbāt al-Ahilla by Muhammad Bakhit al-Muṭīʿī (d. 1935 AD)’, presented by Mr. M. Rofiq Muzakkir, Lc., MA., Ph.D., a lecturer and the Chairman of the Center for Integrative Science and Islamic Civilization (CISIC) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY).
During the event, Mr. M. Rofiq discussed five main points, including the biography of Muhammad Bakhit Al-Muti’i, an overview of Irsyād Ahl al-Milla ilā Itsbāt al-Ahilla, Islamic anthropology, astronomy, and integration. He also examined how Islamic teachings are understood and practiced in the daily lives of Muslims. Islamic anthropology also considers how Muslims reason in understanding and practicing their religion.
The speaker of this DOA also addressed several phenomena related to the differences in determining the beginning of the lunar month from an astronomical and anthropological perspective. In this era, when differences of opinion become a societal issue, it is actually a normal occurrence. The event concluded with a question and answer session and a group photo with the speaker.
