Al-Hilal: Journal of Islamic Astronomy
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025)

Territory, Hilāl, and Sovereignty: Revisiting Indonesia’s Maṭla’ under MABIMS’ New Criteria

Arisafitri, Novi (Unknown)
Imron, Ali (Unknown)
Syifaul Anam, Ahmad (Unknown)
Darliswanto (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Apr 2025

Abstract

Differences in determining the start of the lunar month often spark polemics due to varying methods, schools of thought, and interpretations of maṭla’. Indonesia adopts a territorial-based maṭla’, yet inconsistencies remain in how its geographical boundaries are applied. Law No. 43/2008 defines Indonesia’s territory as including land, sea, and air, raising questions about the ideal scope of maṭla’ under the MABIMS Neo Visibility Criteria and its legal status. This qualitative study uses library research and expert interviews, analyzed through Islamic legal principles (ijtihād istiṣlāhī) and a juridical-normative framework. Findings show that Indonesia’s maṭla’ ideally includes all sovereign areas-land, inland waters, archipelagic waters, and territorial seas. From a syar’i perspective, crescent sightings at sea are valid; hence, lunar calculations should reflect land and maritime zones under national jurisdiction.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

al-hilal

Publisher

Subject

Religion Astronomy Earth & Planetary Sciences Physics Social Sciences

Description

Al-Hilal Journal is a scientific journal published in April and October per year by the Islamic Astronomy at the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Walisongo, Semarang colaboration with Asosisasi Dosen Falak Indonesia (ADFI). Articles published in this journal are the results ...