Shahadah 'Ilmy; Integrating Fiqh and Astronomy Paradigm in Determining The Arrival of Lunar Months in Indonesia

Abstract

Formulating the fixed methodology for determining the beginning of Ramadan month and Islamic Feast in Indonesia is still ongoing. This article attempts to offer an integration between sharia and scientific views through 1) the concept of shahadah (witnessing) in the paradigm of fiqh and astronomy, and 2) the integration of those paradigms in determining the beginning of lunar months, particularly Ramadan and Syawal. This study uses qualitative methods in gaining the data then analyzes it using the approach of Miles & Huberman on interdisciplinary study. The findings of this research are as follows: 1) the concept of shahadah in the paradigm of fiqh is based on religious vows and factual evidence, while the astronomical paradigm perceives it from the certainty of external factors (weather, climate, environment, etc.). 2) Integration of those two paradigms results in better methods. It can turn the shahadah into the quality of qat'i (fixed) while the astronomic perspective gains more legitimacy. The integration is therefore called shahadah-'ilmi which potentially integrates the criteria of crescent visibility (imkan al-rukyah) in Indonesia to minimize the common occurrence on differences in determining those days.