Introduction to the Announcement of the Beginning of Safar 1448 H

The Central Leadership of the Falakiyah Rifa’iyyah Institute (LFR) has officially released an important announcement regarding the determination of the beginning of the month in the Hijri calendar. Based on the calculations conducted by the organization’s team of astronomy experts, the 1st of Safar 1448 Hijriah is set to fall on Thursday, corresponding to July 16, 2026, in the Gregorian calendar. This declaration is outlined in Official Letter number 42/LFR/VII/2026, published directly from the organization’s headquarters in Batang, Central Java, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Chronology of the Determination Process

The process of determining the beginning of the month is based on meticulous observations and calculations carried out by the LFR’s management on Tuesday, 29 Muharam 1448 H. The methodology used for determining the month is based on the istikmal method, which involves completing the age of the Muharam month to exactly 30 days. This approach is taken because the position of the hilal (crescent moon) at the time of observation did not meet the criteria for entering a new month, either through rukyatul hilal (visual observation of the crescent moon) or hisab (astronomical calculation).

Supporting Data and Methodology

The istikmal method is technically implemented by perfecting the age of the Muharam month to 30 days, considering the hilal’s position at the time of observation did not fulfill the requirements to commence a new month. This approach ensures that there is no ambiguity in starting the Safar month, allowing all members to perform their sunnah fasting and other activities with full confidence. The decision, which is binding for the entire organization, was signed by the Chairman of the Central Leadership of the Falakiyah Rifa’iyyah Institute, Ust. M. Hasbullah Syatori, along with Nabil, M.Ag. The announcement was disseminated in the evening, at 21:00 WIB, to ensure that the information reaches all levels of the organizational structure promptly.

Official Responses and Distribution of Information

The announcement is disseminated to all hierarchical levels of the Rifa’iyyah organization, starting from the Regional Leadership (PW), Regional Branch (PD), Branch Leadership (PC), to the smallest unit, the Ranting Leadership (PR), which is scattered across various regions in Indonesia. The importance of synchronizing the Hijri calendar within Rifa’iyyah makes the Falakiyah Institute play a crucial role. In Islamic scholarly tradition, the month of Safar often becomes a moment for the community to reflect and plan various religious and social agendas. With the certainty of this date, all Rifa’iyyah members are expected to harmonize their activities, including regular study schedules, organizational meetings, and other Islamic celebrations that may be held during the month, to avoid scheduling conflicts that could hinder inter-branch coordination.

Implications of the Announcement

The announcement of the beginning of Safar 1448 H on July 16, 2026, has significant implications for the Rifa’iyyah community and beyond. The application of the istikmal method by the Falakiyah Institute reflects a cautious approach to maintaining the accuracy of worship times. In astronomy, the choice of this method is not merely a technical issue but a form of the organization’s responsibility towards the certainty of religious law. By completing the Muharam month to 30 days, the organization ensures that there is no doubt in starting the Safar month, allowing all members to perform their religious duties with full conviction.

The Role of the Falakiyah Rifa’iyyah Institute

The Falakiyah Rifa’iyyah Institute, as part of the Rifa’iyyah organization, emphasizes the importance of discipline, both in organizational matters and in understanding religious laws, including astronomy. The institute’s mastery of astronomy demonstrates that the intellectual values inherited from KH Ahmad Rifa’i are still alive and relevant in modern society. The announcement also serves as a symbol of the organization’s solidarity and commitment to providing accurate and reliable information to its members and the wider community.

Wider Community Impact

In a broader context, the announcement affects not only the Rifa’iyyah community but also the surrounding society that refers to Rifa’iyyah’s determinations. As an organization with a significant mass base, the accuracy of the information disseminated through official channels becomes the primary reference for the community. The effort to constantly update the Hijri calendar information is a service to the community to prevent confusion about worship times.

Continuous Development and Research

The Falakiyah Rifa’iyyah Institute, based in Batang, continues to develop research and astronomical calculations regularly. This is done to ensure that the data produced is always accurate and scientifically accountable. The synergy between modern astronomical science and traditional methods becomes a unique strength for the institute in providing solutions to calendrical issues.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The official announcement of the beginning of Safar 1448 H on July 16, 2026, is not just an administrative formality but a manifestation of the Falakiyah Rifa’iyyah Institute’s dedication to guarding worship times. It is hoped that with transparent and accurate information, all Rifa’iyyah members can conduct their activities in an orderly, well-organized manner, and with blessings throughout the month of Safar 1448 H. This is a tangible form of the organization’s service to the community through knowledge-based channels that rely on the truth of astronomical calculations and precision in determining the Hijri calendar.