The Urgency and Contribution of Information Technology in Verifying the Beginning of Shubuh Time and the Height of Hilal Determining the Beginning of the Hijri Month

Abstract

Article InfoThe sun's altitude of -20° as a reference for determining the beginning of shubuh time used by the Ministry of Religious Affairs is questionable. Meanwhile, in terms of hilal height as one of the criteria for determining the beginning of the Hijri month, the Ministry of Religion has also undergone adjustments and changes in 2022. The new criteria of MABIMS mention criteria in the form of a hilal height of 3° and an elongation angle of 6.4°. This research answers two formulations of problems, first, the urgency of information technology in determining the criteria for the beginning of dawn and the criteria for determining the beginning of the Hijri month in Indonesia. Second, the extent of the contribution of information technology in determining the criteria for dawn and the criteria for determining the beginning of the Hijri month in Indonesia. Analytical descriptive methods with fiqh and scientific approaches are used to answer both formulations of the problem. The study produced two findings. First, according to Islamic law, the presence of digital-based information technology is considered legal to be used and utilized to provide certainty and trust in Islamic legal products. Secondly, technology has made a major contribution in verifying dawn criteria and establishing new criteria of MABIMS.