eid based on calculations

Question:

I have a question with regards to celebrating Eid according to astronomical calculations. Did'nt our beloved Prophet S.A.W enjoin us to celebrate Eid based on sighting of the Moon and that if we don't sight the moon we have to fast an extra day? Many people rely on the calculation of astronomy; and their excuse is that we are in the era of "Technology". I am a bit confused. What is the ruling on this issue? Jazkallah khair

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Basing the start and end of Ramadan and other Islamic months on astronomical calculations is due to the misunderstanding that the beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the presence of the moon. The truth of the matter is that the beginning and end of Islamic months are not based on the presence of the moon; rather they are based on the sighting of the moon. The ahaadith make this issue very clear. Consider the following ahaadith:

Ibn Umar (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates that the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The months are 29 nights. So do not fast until you see it (the moon). If clouds obscure the view, complete 30 days.” (Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates that the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Commence fasting upon seeing it (the moon) and end fasting upon seeing it (the moon). If clouds obscure the view then complete the number (i.e. 30 days).” (Muslim)

Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrates that the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Do not fast before Ramadan. Commence fasting upon seeing it (the moon) and end fasting upon seeing it (the moon). If clouds cover it (the moon) then complete 30 days.” (Tirmizi)

The ahaadith above make it clear that even if the moon is present but cannot be seen due to the clouds obscuring the view, one is to complete fasting for 30 days.

Therefore, based on the abovementioned ahadith and the ruling of the jurists, it will not be permissible to base the beginning and end of Ramadan or other Islamic months on calculations.

Living in a technologically advanced era does not justify changing this teaching of Islam.

(Majmu’a Rasa’il al-Laknawi: 2/210-215)
(Raddul Muhtaar: 2/387, Saeed)

And Allah knows best.

Mufti Faizal Riza
10/9/2011
Darul Ifta Australia
www.mufti-online.net

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