The Crescent observation in Malaysia : an analysis study of the activity of crescent observation’s method applied by Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang Malaysia

Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang is one of the centers in implementing the crescent observation activity in Malaysia. Baitul Hilal located at coordinate latitude North 2° 26’ 44’’ and longitude East 101°51’21’’ with altitude about 25 meters above the sea surface, and it more precisely located at the observatory complex of Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang Port Disckon, Malaysia. Baitul Hilal becomes one of the most frequently crescent observation’s place in crescent sighting for determining the beginning of Ramadhan, Shawwal and Zulhijah in Malaysia. So far recorded, among others on : Shawwal 1392/1972, Shawwal 1393/1973, Ramadan 1394/1974, Shawwal 1396/1976 Shawwal 1401/1981, Shawwal 1404/1984, Shawwal 1422/2001. This research aims to know on how is the implementation of crescent observation at Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang Malaysia and its contributions in the implementation of crescent observation activity in Malaysia. The category of this research is a qualitative research which is also categorized into field research which has two data source types, namely primary and secondary data source. The main source and the data input of this research is some main books of crescent observation in Malaysia and some information of people who are also responsible on managing the mechanism of implementation of crescent observation at Baitul Hilal. The secondary data sources of this research are books, newspapers, magazines, working papers related to this research. Next, these data are analyzed by descriptive analysis method. The results of this research as follows, firstly, the method of crescent observation at Baitul Hilal is effective as Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang is placed in a strategic and suitable place for crescent observation activity. Baitul Hilal is also supported by some observers of Malaya University who officially certified by the goverment, so far Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang also helped by some modern and advance astronomical equipment, such as telescope, theodolite and DSLR camera for having a capture of image of observation during the crescent observation activity for implementing the crescent observation activity. Secondly, Baitul Hilal surely gives the good contribution to the crescent activity in Malaysia, Baitul Hilal support the development of study of astronomy in Malaysia in conducting astronomical activity, providing astronomical data which can be researched and analyzed by other astronomer. So far, by analyzing the crscent observation data, Baitul Hilal Teluk Kemang in collaboration with the Physics and space Laboratory of University Malaya, Astronomical Unit for Islamic Development, Department of Malaysia, Astronomical Unit for Islamic Development Department of Negeri Sembilan, and Department of Surveying and Mapping of Malaysia (JUPEM), incentive to do research on the new Moon which intended to formulate a criteria of Imkᾱn ar-rukyah which can be more established in the future. Keywords : Baitul Hilal, Crescent, Crescent Observation, Method