NU to gather experts in astrology

Jakarta, NU Online
Ahead of the holy month Ramadhan 1429 (Islamic calendar), the Nahdlatul Ulama Committee of Astrology (Lajnah Falakiyah) will gather experts in astrology at a national meeting on coming 21-24 August in Jakarta.

IN addition to discussing latest issues on astrological sciences, the meeting will also take up issues of possibilities dealing with the dissenting opinion in determining the beginning of the holy month Ramadhan and Syawal 1429 (Islamic calendar).<>

Secretary of the NU Lajnah Falakiyah Nahari Muslih said the difference in determining the beginning of Ramadhan could be possible if the hilal (the first crescent) cannot be seen at a crescent observation (ru'yatul hilal) in the end of Sya'ban 1429 9Islamic calendar) or Sunday afternoon, 31 August 2008.

“If we cannot sight hilal (moon), we (NU) will perhaps be different with Muhammadiyah having decided that (the beginning of) fasting will fall on Monday,” Nahari Muslih said here Thursday (7/8).

He said the meeting will also formulate efforts to have shared ideas in determining the beginning of Islamic month between NU with its all pesantren circles and other Muslim organizations like Muhammadiyah.

Nahari added the Indonesia's biggest Muslim organization will follow the Department of Religious Affairs in dealing with the beginning of Ramadhan as long as the department uses the method of ru'yatul hilal bil fi'li.

The meeting will reportedly be participated by some 200 experts in astrology. (nam)