UNIFIED GLOBAL HIJRI CALENDAR (KHGT) FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF MAQĀSID AL-SHARI ‘AH AND ASTRONOMY: A SOLUTION FOR UNIFYING THE TIMING OF ACTS OF WORSHIP AND SOCIAL TRANSACTIONS FOR THE MUSLIM UMMAH

Abstract

The Hijri calendar holds a significant place in the lives of Muslims, serving as the basis for determining the timing of various acts of worship, such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and themWuquf (standing) at Arafat. However, differences in methods, crescent moon visibility criteria, the concept of matla‘(local sighting horizons), and the authority to determine the start of the month have prevented the realization of a universally applicable Hijri calendar. This situation has spurred the proposal of a Unified Global Hijri Calendar (KHGT) as an effort to establish a calendar system that is uniform, predictive, and globally usable. This study aims to analyze the KHGT from the perspectives of maqāṣid al-syari‘ah (the objectives of Islamic law) and astronomy, specifically examining its scientific basis, the public interest (maṣlaḥah) it serves, and the challenges and prospects of its implementation as an instrument to unify the timing of worship and social affairs (mu‘āmalāt) among Muslims. The study employs a qualitative approach using library research methods. Data were analyzed through a descriptive-analytical review of Islamic sources, literature on maqāṣid al-syari‘ah, ‘ilm al-falak (traditional Islamic astronomy) and modern astronomy, as well as documents and literature related to KHGT development. The results indicate that the KHGT possesses an astronomical foundation enabling the creation of an accurate and predictive calendar through calculations of ijtimā‘ (conjunction), the positions of the Moon and Sun, and crescent visibility criteria. From the perspective of maqāṣid al-syari‘ah, the KHGT offers benefits such as certainty regarding the timing of worship, social order, a reduction in potential conflicts arising from date discrepancies, and the strengthening of Muslim brotherhood and unity. Nevertheless, its implementation still faces challenges regarding fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), astronomy, institutional authority, the International Date Line, and social acceptance. Therefore, the adoption of the KHGT requires the integration of ‘ilm al-falak, modern astronomy, fiqh, public policy, and dialogue among stakeholders to establish a global calendar system that is accurate, legitimate, and oriented toward the well-being of the Muslim community.