بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
The foundation of Islamic law is rooted in ease, universality, and accessibility—not
in complexity, technicality, or scientific exclusivity. Islam is a religion
meant for all people, across
cultures, levels of education, and geographies. Its laws are designed to be practical and implementable,
so that every Muslim can fulfill their religious obligations with clarity and
confidence.
This principle of simplicity is clearly reflected
in the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ
guidance on determining the beginning of lunar months, particularly Ramadan and Eid:
"Fast when you see it (the new moon), and break your fast when
you see it. If it is cloudy, then complete Sha‘ban as thirty days." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1909; Sahih Muslim
1081)
"We are an unlettered nation; we neither write nor calculate.
The month is like this and this,"
(showing 29 or 30 days with his fingers) (Sahih al-Bukhari 1913; Sahih Muslim
1080)
These hadiths are frequently cited to support physical moonsighting,
showing that the Prophet ﷺ
emphasized visual confirmation over
complex calculations. The practice requires no specialized tools—just clear
skies and honest testimony—making it accessible to all Muslims regardless of
time or place.
Classical Scholarly Positions
While the dominant practice throughout Islamic
history was physical moonsighting, classical scholars did engage with astronomical knowledge:
- Scholars like Imam al-Nawawi, Imam al-Subki,
and others discussed the potential use of calculations, primarily to verify
sightings or to prevent errors—such as accepting a false
sighting claim when the moon could not possibly be seen.
- Despite this, the majority opinion across the four Sunni
madhhabs remained:
- 🔹 Moonsighting
(actual or locally reported) was necessary.
- 🔹 Calculations
could not replace physical observation as the basis for
determining the start of the month.
Modern
Emergence of the Debate
The debate over calculation gained new momentum
with the rise of precise
astronomical science and the global dispersion of Muslim
communities.
Key Developments:
- Mid-20th Century Onward: As Muslims
established communities in Europe and North America, questions about
coordinating the start of Ramadan and Eid became increasingly important
due to work, school, and social integration.
- 1978: The European Council for Fatwa and Research
(ECFR) began considering calculation-based calendars as a
way to bring unity and predictability to observances.
- 2006: The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA)
officially adopted a purely calculation-based method, using global
astronomical visibility data to determine the start of
Ramadan and Eid—without requiring actual sighting.
These developments reflect a broader trend toward
utilizing modern tools
for religious purposes. However, they also sparked ongoing debate and
divergence among scholars and communities worldwide.
Contemporary
Approaches
Today, there are three main approaches in
practice:
- Local Moonsighting – Observing the crescent
moon within one's region or vicinity.
- Global Moonsighting – Accepting reliable
reports from any part of the Muslim world.
- Astronomical Calculation – Relying on data and
visibility charts to determine the beginning of the month—sometimes
replacing sighting entirely.
These differences often result in disparate start and end dates for Ramadan
and Eid, even within the same city. The absence of a centralized global Islamic authority
adds to the complexity.
Toward
a Balanced Understanding
Scholars such as Shaykh Hamzah Karamali, Shaykh Taha Abdul-Basser,
and others advocate for a balanced and principled approach that:
🔹 Preserves the Sunnah of
moonsighting
🔹
Utilizes calculations to
prevent clear errors and support visibility claims
🔹
Promotes respectful dialogue and unity,
even amidst scholarly disagreement
In
conclusion, this issue reflects a deeper dynamic between tradition and modernity, text and science, and the
need for both precision and unity.
While different methods may be followed, all are rooted in a shared desire to
honor the sacred times ordained by Allah—and to do so with sincerity, humility,
and mutual respect.
References:
Qur’anic References
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:189)
"They ask you about the new moons. Say, 'They are measurements
of time for the people and for Hajj...'"
→ Cited to emphasize the use of lunar phases in religious observance.
- Surah Yunus (10:5)
"It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a
derived light and determined for it phases—that you may know the number of
years and account (of time)..."
→ Often referenced in support of using astronomical knowledge to measure time.
Hadith References
- "Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see
it..."
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1909
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1081
→ The most cited hadith in support of physical moonsighting.
- "We are an unlettered nation; we neither write nor
calculate..."
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1913
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1080
→ Used to argue against reliance on calculations for determining the
month.
Classical Scholarly
References
- Imam al-Nawawi (d. 676 AH) – Sharh Sahih
Muslim
→ Acknowledged moonsighting as the primary method but discussed limited
acceptance of calculation for negating false sightings. - Imam Taqi al-Din al-Subki (d. 756 AH) – Fatawa al-Subki
→ Allowed use of calculations to deny a reported sighting that
contradicts certainty from astronomical data. - Ibn Taymiyyah – Majmu' al-Fatawa
→ Emphasized moonsighting but discussed calculation as supplementary—not
replacement.
Modern Scholarly
Institutions and Rulings
- European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR)
- Began exploring calculation-based calendars
in the late 20th century for European Muslim unity.
- ecfr.org
- Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA)
- Adopted a purely calculation-based method
in 2006
for Ramadan and Eid based on global visibility.
- fiqhcouncil.org
- Majlis al-Fiqh al-Islami (OIC - Organization of Islamic
Cooperation)
- Generally supports global moonsighting, while
allowing for limited use of calculation as support.
- See Resolutions from Makkah Conferences.
Contemporary Scholars'
Perspectives
- Shaykh Hamzah Karamali – SeekersGuidance
- Advocates a balanced view: uphold the Sunnah of
moonsighting, use calculations to prevent obvious errors.
- SeekersGuidance article link
- Shaykh Taha Abdul-Basser – Harvard University
Chaplain
- Supports preserving traditional practice
while acknowledging the value of modern tools.
- Mufti Taqi Usmani – Renowned contemporary
Hanafi scholar
- Acknowledges limited use of calculations,
but holds firmly to moonsighting as the Shar’i requirement.