Muhammadiyah Officially Launches Singular Global Hijri Calendar at UNISA Yogyakarta

Muhammadiyah officially implemented the Single Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT), which was inaugurated in the Convention Hall of Walidah Dahlan Mosque, ‘Aisyiyah University (UNISA) Yogyakarta on Wednesday (25/6/2025). This calendar applies the principle of one day and one date for the whole world and views the entire surface of the earth as one matlak.

This historic inauguration was also attended by various important figures from within and outside the country. Haedar Nashir, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, delivered the keynote speech at this event. He emphasized that the launch of KHGT is an important step in Muhammadiyah’s journey to serve the Islamic world and human civilization.

“Today is a historic day. Muhammadiyah presents KHGT to affirm its role and position in the midst of inevitable globalization. Islam is a cosmopolitan religion that contains universal values, rahmatan lil ‘alamin, which is intended for all nature,” said Haedar.

According to Haedar, the history of Islam has proven its ability to cross geographical boundaries, from the Arabian Peninsula to Europe, the Balkans, Russia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. “KHGT is an absolute necessity to realize the unity of the Islamic world,” Haedar said.

Indeed, for Haedar, KHGT is not just an astronomical agenda. It is a tangible manifestation of the spirit of Islam as a mercy for all nature. A step forward to pay the debt of civilization that is too long overdue. KHGT is a symbol that Islam is still and will always be relevant, visionary, and universal.

Haedar reiterated that KHGT is an absolute necessity for the Islamic world today. For too long, Muslims have been divided only because of differences in setting dates and religious holidays. He hopes that this initiative can be an entry point for the birth of collective ijtihad that is widely accepted and implemented by Muslims, both in Indonesia and throughout the world.

For Haedar, KHGT is part of the historical responsibility to pay the debt of Islamic civilization that is too long overdue. In that spirit, he invites Muslims to let go of sectoral egos and group names for the sake of a much greater interest: the unity of the ummah in time.

“Let us begin to change, change our ijtihad in order and for the sake of our civilizational debt. I am sure we will continue to introduce KHGT, if necessary eliminate the name Muhammadiyah, and do not remember the name Muhammadiyah, but let’s unite for one day, for the same date, for the entire Islamic world region,” Haedar concluded.

Chairman of the Tarjih and Tajdid Assembly of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, Hamim Ilyas, said that the launch of KHGT was the result of an in-depth study that had been decided at the 32nd National Conference (Munas) in February 2024. This decision adopts the results of the 2016 Turkish Congress which are considered to fulfill Islamic law and are scientifically based.

“By adopting KHGT, Muhammadiyah wants to pay off the debt of civilization. During 14 centuries of Islamic history, there has been no Islamic calendar system that applies globally and unification. KHGT is here to realize the unity of time for Muslims around the world,” said Hamim Ilyas.

KHGT is based on three main principles: The uniformity of days and dates around the world to start the new month; The use of hisab (astronomical calculations) as a method of determining time, which allows forecasting the calendar schedule far ahead; and The unity of matlak, which is the assumption that the entire surface of the earth is one time zone for the Islamic calendar.

To support the implementation of KHGT, the Muhammadiyah Tarjih and Tajdid Council has developed three cutting-edge astrological science-based software:

– Hisab Muhammadiyah, a desktop application for computers and laptops.

– Web application that can be accessed through the official website khgt.muhammadiyah.or.id

– MASA, an Android application available for smartphone users.

These three applications are available in three languages-Indonesian, Arabic, and English-to reach Muslims globally. Equipped with interactive maps, these applications visualize KHGT parameters accurately and in a user-friendly manner.

International Response

The launch of KHGT received positive response from various international figures and institutions. One of them came from Dr. Mehmet Ekim, an expert on Islamic astronomy from the High Council of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, Republic of Turkey. In his speech, he expressed his high appreciation for the great initiative initiated by Muhammadiyah.

“I feel very happy and honored to be able to join you today in this blessed meeting, representing the Directorate of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, at the launch event of this very important global project,” he said opening his speech.

Furthermore, Mehmet emphasized that KHGT is not just a scientific program or institutional activity. This initiative, according to him, contains a strong moral and symbolic message about the future of Muslims.

“This initiative is not just a scientific or organizational event, but also a strong message that the unity of Muslims is not a distant dream, but rather something that is possible with sincere intentions and concerted efforts. A unified Hijri calendar carries deep symbolic meaning, reflecting a collective determination to restore a sense of unity of time and destiny among Muslims,” he stressed.

The statement strengthens KHGT’s position as a civilization project, not just a time adjustment. The support from cross-country figures is a signal that efforts to realize one global Hijri calendar are gaining legitimacy from various circles in the Islamic world.

Mehmet also conveyed greetings from the President of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, and the Chairman of the Higher Council for Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Haçkalı, who fully support this initiative.

“It is with great honor and respect that I join Yogyakarta-a center of Islamic learning and cultural heritage-to witness the launch of the Unified Islamic Hijri Calendar. This initiative is a real effort based on science and faith inspiration to foster the unity of Muslims,” said Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Humanitarian, Social, Cultural and Family Affairs, Tarig Ali Bakheet.

Tarig also praised Muhammadiyah’s role as the largest Islamic organization with more than 50 million members, 170 universities, thousands of schools and boarding schools, and hundreds of hospitals and humanitarian service centers. “Muhammadiyah’s institutional strength makes it unique to influence and guide the reform of the Islamic world, including through this unified calendar initiative,” he added.

The peak event was marked by the symbolic inauguration of the KHGT by Haedar Nashir, Hamim Ilyas, and Dr. Mehmet Ekim on stage, confirming that this calendar will be applied in all Muhammadiyah activities.

The launch of KHGT was attended by a number of important figures, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Ambassadors of Islamic countries, representatives of Islamic social organizations in Indonesia, experts and organizations in the field of astronomy from within and outside the country, Chairmen of Muhammadiyah Regional Leaders throughout Indonesia, Rectors, and Leaders of Muhammadiyah Charities, Members of the Tarjih and Tajdid Assembly as well as elements of the leadership and autonomous organizations at the central level.

With the launch of KHGT, Muhammadiyah not only affirms its commitment to the advancement of Islamic civilization, but also presents a practical and scientific solution to unite Muslims around the world through time uniformity.