Yogyakarta – Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), through the Center for Astronomy Studies and Department of International Relations and Cooperation (LHKI), has taken strategic steps to promote the idea of a Unified Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT). This concept was presented before representatives of member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Amphitharium, Muhammadiyah Museum.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including representatives from Palestine, namely Dr. Alhoucine Rhazoi (Director of OIC Department of Cultural Affairs), Mr. Adeeb Saleem (OIC Department of Palestine Affairs), Mr. Mutasem Taem (Secretary of the Supreme Committee for Jerusalem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jerusalem Institute, Al-Quds University), Dr. Yasmi Adriyanyah (OIC Dialogue and Outreach, Department of Political Affairs), Mr. Kayed al-Meary (Co-Founder of Witness-Syahid Center for Citizens’ Rights and Social Development), Tamara AlMajali (Growth & QA Adviser, Witness-Syahid Center for Citizens’ Rights and Social Development), and Ms. Tasmim M.S. Zourob (Representative of Palestinian youth/refugees).
From UAD, the attendees included academics and Muhammadiyah figures such as Muhammad Sayuti, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.Ed., Ph.D. (Dean of FKIP UAD), Dr. Arif Rahman, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Dean of FAI UAD), Yazida Ichsan, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Head of PAI Study Program), Affan Kurniawan, S.T., M.T. (Head of Muhammadiyah Museum), Yudhiakto Pramudya (Head of the UAD Center for Astronomy Studies), Ida Puspita, M.A. Res. (LHKI Team), Ulaya Ahdiani, S.Hum., M.Hum. (Head of the Office of International Affairs and Cooperation UAD), Afit Istiandaru, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Head of the Foreign Cooperation Division UAD), and the Chair of the Muhammadiyah Tarjih Center Team.
During the event, UAD explained the significance of the Unified Global Hijri Calendar as a solution to unify Muslims in determining the timing of worship. The Head of the UAD Center for Astronomy Studies, Yudhiakto Pramudya, stated that this initiative aims to create harmony and consensus in determining the beginning of the Hijri months, which has long been a challenge in the Islamic world.
Through this activity, UAD and Muhammadiyah once again demonstrated their strong commitment to advancing Islamic civilization through international collaboration. This step is expected to become an important milestone in the journey towards an agreed-upon, single, and universal Hijri Calendar.