Ramadan and Moonsighting
admin3 on October 4th, 2005
The holy month of Ramadan is approaching us once again, and we pray that Allah Ta’ala enables us to reap the full benefits of this blessed time.
Unfortunately the issue of moonsighting has divided Muslims in the UK again, and this is based on ignorance of basic scientific facts and disregard for the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered us to commence the new month on the sighting of the new moon. Furthermore, he said that if the moon was not visible due to cloudy conditions, we must complete 30 days and only then start the new month.
It is a scientific fact that the new moon was not visible anywhere on earth on Monday 3rd October. Therefore the first of Ramadan should have been celebrated on Wednesday 5th October. However, due to some unknown reason, some Muslims in the UK have started their fasts on Tuesday.
It is true that Saudi Arabia declared that the moon was sighted on Monday evening, but it is well known that they have a tradition of accepting erroneous claims of moon sighting. Their official Hilal (sighting) committee did not see the new moon, and they never declare that they have seen it – unfortunately the Saudi government gives credence to incorrect claims from lay people. These sightings are sometimes claimed to have happened when the new moon has actually set before sunset! It is not unusual for the Saudis to have to complete 31 days in a lunar month because they have started the month on the incorrect day.
Some quarters of the Muslim community who have strong affiliation with the Saudis are quick to agree with and defend this position in the name of unity – however, the Ummah will not and cannot be united on error. We pray that Allah Ta’ala guides us all to the path of His beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and that He enables us to be united on the Truth.
For further information on the moonsighting issue, please visit www.moonsighting.com or www.jas.org.jo
Makkah Masjid wishes all Muslims Ramadan Mubarak!
