The Determination of the Beginning of SHAWWAL 1445H by the Jamaah Aolia of Gunung Kidul: An Astronomical Perspective

The determination of the beginning of the Kamariah (lunar) months in Indonesia remains a subject of debate among different groups with each religious organization having its own methods and criteria which they consider to be the most accurate. One such group that frequently diverges from the government’s decisions is the Jamaah Aolia in Gunung Kidul. For instance, in determining the beginning of Shawwal 1445 H, the Jamaah Aolia’s decision differed by five days from the government’s announcement. Led by Mbah Benu, this group has garnered attention for claiming direct communication from Allah. Upon closer examination, Mbah Benu’s decision appears not to lack foundation but rather follows a spiritual path or inner connection, which in essence can be viewed as using a “rukyah bil qalbi” (spiritual sighting) approach. According to astronomical perspectives, this determination of Shawwal 1445 H does not align with the accepted criteria as the conjunction had not yet occurred and the altitude of the new moon (hilal) was still below the horizon, at approximately -37∘ 33’ 28.8”. In principle, the start of a lunar month is marked by three conditions: The conjunction occurs before sunset, the moon sets after the sun, and the altitude of the new moon is above the horizon.