Question: Please explain as to why Wifaqul Ulama relies on Moon Sighting from South Africa?
(Qari) Muhammad Shoyaib Nurgat
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh
We would like to begin by extending our gratitude to you for asking this question. May Allah (SWT) give you the best of rewards (Ameen).
In a nutshell and in the most direct manner, Moon Sighting from South Africa in certain circumstances and under certain conditions is acceptable to the Scholars Wifaqul Ulama. This was widely discussed, scrutinised and approved by other Ulama. The acceptability of South African Moon Sighting for British Muslims was endorsed by Darul-uloom Deoband in 2007. This was part of our criteria from the very beginning from circa 2006.
