The Observatory of Astronomy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (OIF UMSU) conducted the observation of the crescent moon of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 Hijriyah at OIF UMSU in Medan on Sunday (June 18). The observation occurred at the Postgraduate Campus of UMSU, 7th floor, on Jalan Denai in Medan, and at Pantai Kedai Tiga Barus.
According to the calculations made by OIF UMSU, the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 Hijriyah falls on Monday, June 19, 2023, with an elevation of 1° (degree) in Medan and Barus.
Due to the low elevation, sighting the crescent moon will be very challenging, especially in Medan, where urban structures obstruct the view. Meanwhile, the OIF UMSU team that conducted the observation at Pantai Kedai Tiga Barus reported that the moon was obstructed by trees on the opposite side of the island, making the observation extremely difficult from that location.
The observation on the 7th floor of the Postgraduate Campus Building of UMSU on Jalan Denai in Medan was attended by a group of media representatives who were there to cover the progress of the moon sighting. The head of OIF UMSU, Dr. Arwin Juli Rakhmadi Butar-Butar, MA, provided information about the upcoming Eid al-Adha to the media present.
“Based on the position of the crescent moon, which is at an elevation of 1 degree and 4 minutes, according to the Muhammadiyah concept of Hisab Hakiki Wujudul Hilal, it can be stated that tonight, after sunset or during the call to prayer, marks the beginning of the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 Hijriyah.”
Dr. Arwin also added that there is a difference in determining the date of Eid al-Adha between Muhammadiyah and the government. Muhammadiyah has declared that Eid al-Adha 1444 Hijriyah will fall on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, while the government announced through the Isbat session that it would be on June 29, 2023.
