Further to this, the Saudi moon sighting criteria is fully based upon the Astronomical calculations of the Umm ul Qura calendar. These two groups do not make any effort to ascertain whether the moon sighting of the Saudi government is correct. Rather, they act upon it blindly without any hesitation.
المملكة العربية السعودية
مدينة الملك عبدالعزيز
للعلوم والتقنية
مقدمه
على المستويين الرسمي واَلشخصي .. فإنه يسر المدينة أن تصدر هذا التقويم الهجري – لأثنتين سنة – من 1409 حتى 1440 هجرى بنا على الحسابات
العلمية التي تعتبر التوقيت العالمي لولادة الهلال الفلكية أساساً لدخول الشهر.
د. صالح بن عبدالرحمن العزل، رئيس مدينة الملك عبدالعزيز للعلوم والتقنية
Above, the Saudi government has written in the Introduction of the Umm ul Qura calendar that they are
pleased that a calendar has been prepared for the Islamic months from 1409 to 1440. The basis of the
commencement of the Islamic month in this calendar is upon the ‘birth of the new moon.’
The issue is not that we follow Saudi or not; rather the reality is that Saudi is incorrect and hence we must
avoid following them in this matter. This is because by making the decision according to Saudi (where the birth
of the new moon is set as a criterion) is in fact adopting the teachings of Judaism and Hinduism not Islam.
Despite knowledge of the issues above, the groups of Jamiatul Ulama Britain & Hizbul Ulama UK still prevent
people from discussing the matter of moon sighting in respect of the astronomical calculation. This is due to
the fact that, from amongst the practising Muslims in the World, there are very educated and knowledgeable
individuals in the field of Astronomy. Even if the Saudi government had not distributed the Umm ul Qura
calendar, these people would be able to deduce the basis the Saudi moon sighting employs. To hide the
reality of the Saudi moon sightings, which they follow, the Jamiatul Ulama Britain & Hizbul Ulema UK have
prevented people from entertaining any discussion which involve astronomical calculations. The astronomical
calculations that have been formulated by the Muslim specialists in the field are based on the possibility of
sighting of the crescent moon. As this is the basis upon which Islam has established the commencement of
the new month. However, the occurrence of Jamme Ghafeer is still the deciding factor and ascertains the
correctness of the calculations; the astronomers accept this and amend their calendar in accordance with it.
The difference of the Saudi way is that no matter how wrong their announcements and calculations are they
never accept it. Jamiatul Ulama Britain & Hizbul Ulema UK too, never accept that the Saudi announcement is
flawed or unacceptable.
To be wary of those that claim not to follow Astronomical calculation, claiming it to be against Islamic
Principles. Shaykhul Hadith Mufti Saeed Palampuri of Darul Uloom Deoband writes: ‘It is necessary to mention
this point that in respect of the Moon, calculations are not to be relied upon. It is understood that some
mischievous Muslims do falsely testify to seeing the new moon to facilitate the Saudi announcement. In such a
situation, the calculation is only to be used to prove that a false testimony is made, where in reality it was not
possible to sight the crescent moon. In this instance, a testimony will not be accepted. And Allah knows best.
(Tuhfatul Al Ma’ee Sharah Sunan Tarmidhi vol 3, p57 by Shaykh-ul-Hadith Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri, Darul Uloom Deoband)
Shaykhul Hadith Mufti Saeed Khalid Saifullah Rahmani writes: ‘One may benefit from Astronomical research
to the extent that if on any day, there is no possibility of sighting, then on that day a testimony should only be
accepted with great care and research, and so many people must sight the moon that it is not possible to
reject their testimonies…’ (Jadeed Fiqhi Masaail vol 2, p 28)
قمرى ماه آا شروع هوناچاند دآهنے پر موقوف هے، فلكيات کے فن سے اسميں اتنى مدد تولى جاسكتى هے آہ آج چاند هونےآا امكان
هے يا نہيں. (آپ کےمسائل اوران آاحل ج 3 ص 261 ، حضرت مولانا مفتى محمد يوسف لدهيانوى رحمه الله)
Hadhrat Mufti Yusuf Ludyanwi رحمه الله write: ‘The sighting of the crescent moon is the basis of the
commencement for the new Islamic month. The knowledge of Astronomy can be utilised to ascertain the
possibility of sighting the new crescent on a particular day. (Aap ke Masa’il aur un kaa hal, vol 3, p261)
Every Muslim regards scientific development and instrument such as telephones, computers, telescopes etc
as a favour and blessing of Allah . Using these blessings correctly, is a sign of gratitude to Allah .
However, these blessings should not be used in incorrect ways or for wrong purposes:
Allah says: ‘He (Allah) it is who created for you all that is on Earth...’ (s2,v29)
Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahib Uthmani رحمه الله writes: ‘Upon the issue of the moon, if there is an
advancement of technology to assist in the field of Astronomy to the point where there is no deviation from the
Islamic principles, then there is no reason to reject it. (Ru’yat Hilal, p10)
شهادت آى روسے چاند آى عمرآا پہلا دن پہلى تاريخ قرار پارهاهے يہ بد يہى البطلان هے اسلئے آہ اسكا مطلب تو يہ هوا آہ هلال پدائش سے
بهى قبل نظرآسكتا هے. (احسن الفتاوى جلد 4 ص 418 ، حضرت مفتى رشيد احمد لدهيانوى رحمه الله)
It is necessary to mention that the practise of Astronomy and Astrology are completely different spheres of
knowledge. The Shariah of Islam does not prohibit the use of science and technology to support the rulings
and principles of Islam, as one can clearly see that these calculations are used to establish the time of Subh
Sadiq at 18 degress, and Maghrib throughout the World. However, the matter of Astrology has been prohibited
through authentic Ahadith of Nabi . The matter of Astrology has many contradictions and inaccuracies. Due
to this the Scholars of Islam have stated that Astrology is prohibited in all aspects. The ruling in the Arabic
texts showing the permissibility of Astronomy and prohibition of Astrology are as follows:
(لايجوز تقليد المنجم في حسابه، لا عبرة بقول المنجمين، لا عبرة بقول الموقتين، صرح به علماءنا من عدم الإعتماد علي قول أهل النجوم)
The opinions of the reliable Astronomical researchers and calculation can be used to ascertain whether it is
possible to sight the crescent moon on a specific night. This information can be used to discredit and
disapprove any false testimonies that may result in this age. However, the commencement of Ramadhan and
the announcement of Eid will only be upon the clear sighting of the crescent moon with the naked eye
(Muhaqaq Ru’yat Basari). This is the way of the Shariah and Sunnah and whosoever chooses another way is
not upon the Sunnah of the Prophet .
The Umm ul Qura calendar is also based upon the knowledge of Astronomy. However, they have deviated
from the Shariah and Sunnah in the manner that they have disregarded the possibility of sighting the crescent
in their region to establish their announcements. The issue here is that they have in fact made the ‘birth of the
new moon’ their basis for establishing the new Islamic month and this is against the principles Islam. The
Muslims of the rest of the world who follow the Saudi announcement for ease and unity are not acting upon
the correct principles.
Due to the blind following of the Umm ul Qura calendar in some countries and not adhering to the Qur’an and
Sunnah in others, on occasion Eid is celebrated over two or three different days. This causes disunity
amongst the Muslims where sometimes even the husband follows a different day and the wife a different day.
There is also another form of propaganda that simple Muslims often become a victim of. This propaganda
plays on the common mans reverence for the Haramain Shareefain and declares the moon sighting
announcement from the Haramain Shareefain in Saudi Arabia, cannot be rejected. It is known to any
moderately knowledgeable Muslim that the basis of Islam is upon: ‘And whatsoever the Messenger gives
you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids, abstain from it…’ (Surah: 59, Verse 7)
We are taught by the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah that the direction to face while praying is towards the Ka’ba. In
the matter of establishing the Islamic month, we are taught to sight the crescent moon with the naked eye
(Muhaqaq Ru’yat Basari) by means of a large group (Jamme Ghafeer). Those who go to Hajj obtain the
reward of 100,000 for each Salah prayed in the Haram of Ka’ba. However, when the time for Hajj comes, the
Muslims are ordered to leave Haram. This has been clearly stated by the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of the
Prophet and to uphold the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah that those performing the Hajj have to
leave the vicinity of Ka’ba. There are those who give themselves the title of protesters of the Taqaddus Al
Haramain, seeking to join the masses on the Saudi moon sighting, stating that those who do not follow the
Saudi announcements are disrespectful of the Haramain.
However the issue is that we as Muslims follow the ruling of Shari’ah when it is given, for instance when on
the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Arafat, the Hajis leave the Ka’ba to go to Arafat this does not mean that they
are disrespecting the Ka’ba but rather following a ruling to complete their Hajj. You cannot argue at that point
that it is more rewarding to not go to Arafat as you will miss the reward of praying in the Ka’ba as this is
required by the Sunnah of the Prophet at that time. Similarly at this injunction we should not regard the
statement of the people who are not complying by the ruling of moon sighting but rather following the ruling of
Taqaddus Haramain when it is not due.
Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this
Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves.” (s3, v103)
Indeed being united is very important. However, in this Ayah, Allah has clearly mentioned that we should
unite on the method as prescribed by Allah , as it is Haq’ (righteous to do so). Even the enemies of Islam
unite against Islam; this does not mean that their purpose of being unified is correct. Those who do not follow
the righteous teachings and rather base their ruling on the birth of the new moon are going against the
propagation of Shariah and are bringing a new modernization in Deen. How can the disregard for the Truth
(Haq) attain the pleasure of Allah, solely for unification?
Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the
guidance, which we have sent down, after we have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones
cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers.” (s2, v159)
The Prophets of Allah proclaimed and propagated the message of Allah , whether the masses accepted
it or not. The example of the propagation of Sayyidina Nuh spanned some 950 years and the majority of
his community did not accept his message. He did not leave the Truth or alter it to appease the masses
and gain followers, if there is disunity caused due to the propagation of the Truth, there is no harm or evil in
this. Those that claim it is a Fitna are placing blame on the Prophets and Messengers of Allah . When
nations were united on the wrong, the Prophets and Messengers were sent to proclaim the message of Allah
. This caused disunity and some were guided and some remained astray. The mission of the Prophets was
only to proclaim the Truth; the acceptance of their message was the choice of their individual communities.
Remember, if a community unites upon the wrong, then that community is preparing itself for the punishment
of Allah .
The laws and restrictions of obeying the order of a Judge (Qadhi) in an Islamic court:
The Shari’ah has placed restrictions upon a judge appointed by the Ameer of an area or country. These
restrictions apply both to regions (vicinity of a town or country) and in specific fields (Zakat, Talaq, Iddat etc).
The Judge can only decide matters upon topics that he has been appointed to the position for. Further, his
ruling will only be enforceable and binding in the area that he is appointed over. A Judge will not have the
jurisdiction to enforce a ruling in an area that is not within their appointed dominion, nor will the ruling be
established outside of the appointed region. (Fathul Qadir, vol 7, p254 / Al Bahrur Raiq, vol 6, p259 / Fatawa
Hindiya, vol 3, p315 / Adhahul Nawadir, vol 2, p124)
If there is no other way to encourage the masses to follow the Saudi moon sighting, the laymen are told that
the order of the Chief Judge in Saudi Arabia has to be followed and it is Wajib to do so. This is incorrect, in
accordance to the Islamic teachings and rulings. A layman should not be blackmailed emotionally in this
manner by those who hold more knowledge and a better understanding of the Deen.
The Chief Judge of Riyadh is appointed by the King of Saudi Arabia. The King does not call himself the
Khalifah of the Muslims of the World, nor do the Muslims accept him as such. Together with this, the ruling of
the Chief Judge of Riyadh is applicable and enforceable only within Saudi Arabia and does not apply to the
Muslims elsewhere around the world, such as England (UK).
The reality is that there is no real Shari’ee witness behind the moon sighting announcements of the Saudi
