The Continuing Problem Of Moon Sighting In The U.K. : A Solution On The Horizon?

بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ
 

SEE UPDATE AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE FOR 28th FEB 2025 SIGHTINGS

PREDICTED EIDAIN DATES AT END OF ARTICLE

_{April 2022}

The Saudi authorities have officially announced the sighting of the new moon crescent (Hilāl) for Ramadan 1443 AH in Saudi Arabia on the evening of Friday, April 1, 2022. This announcement has once again resulted in two different start dates for the month of Ramadan 1443 for Muslims living in the UK, a situation that is understandably frustrating for the community.

This divergence in start dates highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim communities in different parts of the world when determining the beginning of Islamic months, particularly Ramadan. The discrepancy often arises due to differences in moon-sighting methodologies, geographical locations, and varying interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence regarding the start of lunar months.

For Muslims in the UK, this situation may lead to some confusion and potential difficulties in coordinating communal activities, such as iftar gatherings and taraweeh prayers. However, it also reflects the diversity within the global Muslim community and the respect for different scholarly opinions and local customs.

Despite conclusive scientific data indicating that it was impossible to sight the new moon crescent (Hilāl) anywhere in Asia or Europe on the evening of Friday, April 1, 2022, even with the assistance of optical instruments, the Saudi announcement contradicted this evidence. It is worth noting that the same scientists who calculate the visibility of the new moon crescent are also responsible for determining prayer times, which are generally accepted without question.

If the Hilāl was indeed sighted in Saudi Arabia on Friday evening as claimed, it would establish a new record for the earliest moon crescent sighting. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between traditional moon-sighting methods and modern astronomical calculations in determining the start of Islamic lunar months.

The discrepancy between the scientific data and the official announcement raises several important questions:

1. The reliability of traditional moon-sighting methods in the modern era
2. The role of scientific calculations in Islamic calendar determinations
3. The potential need for a standardized approach to moon-sighting across the Muslim world

This situation underscores the complexities involved in reconciling traditional Islamic practices with contemporary scientific knowledge, particularly in matters that affect the observance of religious duties for millions of Muslims worldwide.

Sheikh Islam Ali Shah, in a video presentation, explained the reasoning behind following Saudi moonsightings. This approach was based on two main factors:

1. The assumption that sighting the Hilāl (new moon crescent) in the UK was not feasible.
2. The practical advantage of Saudi announcements reaching the UK around Asr time, which simplifies planning for UK Muslims and provides them with greater certainty.

However, the 1986 Agreement, which aimed to unify UK Muslims through adherence to these moonsightings, has evidently failed to achieve its intended goal. This situation calls for a reevaluation of the current approach.

The ongoing divergence in Ramadan start dates among UK Muslims highlights several issues:

• The challenges of applying a Middle Eastern moon-sighting method to a European context
• The tension between following global Islamic authorities and adhering to local observations
• The need for a more unified approach that considers both traditional methods and modern scientific data

Given these challenges, it may be time for UK Muslim communities to reassess their moon-sighting policies. This reassessment could involve:

• Exploring the possibility of establishing a UK-based moon-sighting authority
• Integrating astronomical calculations with traditional sighting methods
• Fostering greater cooperation among various Islamic organizations within the UK

Ultimately, the goal should be to find a solution that promotes unity among UK Muslims while respecting diverse opinions and practices within the community.

In seeking a solution for determining the start of Islamic months, particularly Ramadan, our objectives should include:

1. Preserving Islam and the faith (imān) of both current and future generations of Muslims
2. Prioritizing Muslim unity
3. Ensuring convenience and certainty for the community

It is unlikely that adhering to Saudi moonsightings will achieve unity among UK Muslims, as the Saudi system often contradicts scientific understanding and human intellect. Several issues arise with the Saudi approach:

1. The Hilāl sighted in Saudi Arabia is not observed in countries to its west (e.g., Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco) on the same evening.
2. The practice of seeking the Hilāl before its birth or when it's below the horizon on the 29th of the month (according to the Umm al-Qura calendar) raises doubts about its reliability.
3. Saudi scientists acknowledge false sightings, termed "illusions" by Dr. Ayman Kordi of KACST, yet accept testimonies of Hilāl sighters even when sighting is scientifically impossible.

Before passing judgment, it's crucial to understand the Saudi Hijri calendar and moonsighting announcements:

1. The Saudi system prioritizes the testimony of a Muslim over scientific facts.
2. Saudi scholars consistently advise Muslims worldwide to rely on local moonsightings rather than Saudi announcements, as reiterated by Mufti Menk.

Many Muslim groups in the UK have collaboratively compiled data over five years on Hilāl sightings exclusively within the UK. This data demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a Hijri calendar for UK Muslims based solely on local Hilāl sightings. The initial assumption that the Hilāl cannot be sighted in the UK is no longer valid due to:

1. Increased Muslim population over the past four to five decades
2. Concerted efforts by many Muslim groups to observe the Hilāl every month
3. Training of individuals in Hilāl observation

Adopting a UK-based Hijri calendar is advocated for the UK Muslim community as it aligns with the Sunnah practised throughout Islamic history and is supported by the proven visibility of the Hilāl in the UK.

For Eid-ul-Fitr 1443, different approaches will likely result in varying dates:

1. Saudi Arabia: May potentially declare Eid on Sunday, May 1, 2022, or Monday, May 2, 2022, based on moon sighting attempts on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
2. Countries using astronomical calculations (e.g., Turkey, France, Germany, Ireland): Will declare Eid on Monday, May 2, 2022.
3. UK Muslims following Morocco, South Africa, or local UK moonsighting: May observe Eid on Monday, May 2, 2022, or more likely on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

It's important to note that the Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 20:28 UT, which is after sunset in Makkah (18:45 UT). This suggests that Saudi Arabia and its followers may have commenced Ramadan 1443 a day early.

Regardless of the chosen celebration day, may all Muslims have a joyous Eid-ul-Fitr.

_{A. Hussain, April 2022}

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UPDATE 9th April 2024

On Saturday, 6h April, 2024 Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the new crescent moon that marks the end of Ramadan and the onset of the month of Shawwal on Monday, April 8.

The Central Moonsighting Committee in the UK followed the Saudi lead and made a similar announcement aimed at UK Muslims:

As all astronomers and lay people who have a basic understanding of science predicted that the moon would be impossible to sight in Saudi Arabia on Monday evening, 8th April because the moon would not be actually born at time of sunset in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, on Monday 8th April, the moonset would be below the horizon at the time of Sunset. 

If we examine the timeline for Monday, 8th April, 2024, we see that Saudi Arabia announced that the Shawwal crescent moon had not been sighted before sunset in Makkah, Medina and Jeddah. Furthermore, the Saudis were looking for the crescent moon before it was born and after the moon had set, i.e. when it was below the horizon.

There are some Muslims who totally reject astronomical data for moon visibility but ironically totally accept data for prayer times produced by the same scientists. 

Even if one were to ignore the above astronomical data one cannot deny that millions of people witnessed a solar eclipse, which is the time of the moon being born, in Mexico and North America AFTER Saudi Arabia's attempt to site the crescent moon. 

The fact that Saudi Arabia tried to sight the crescent moon before it had been born clearly indicates that they were looking for the crescent moon a day too early, what they thought was the 29th of Ramadan, 1445, was in reality 28th of Ramadan, 1445. Let us reflect on these facts. Unity on the issue of moonsighting amongst the UK Muslims will only be long-lasting if it is based on reality and does not defy human intellect.

There are some Muslims in UK and moonsighting committees who claim that they follow the fiqhi ruling of global moonsighting, when in reality they follow Saudi UQC and Saudi moonsighting announcements only. These people should be informed that Mali and Niger (Muslim countries) have both declared that they have sighted the new moon crescent so their Eid-ul-Fitr will be on Tuesday, 9th April, 2024.  The self-declared global moonsighting advocates will no doubt ignore these official announcements from Muslim countries.

The principle of global moonsighting is based on ittihad-ul-matali’ (unified horizon) which presumes a flat earth. Although some claim that the Hanafi fiqh position is ittihad-ul-matali’ others dispute this claim. But everyone agrees that ittihad-ul-matali’ has not been practised by Muslims since the inception of the Hijri calendar. Furthermore, we know that the Earth is not flat and all the countries of the world do not share one horizon.

_{A. Hussain, 9th April 2024}

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UPDATE 28th Feb. 2025

The Persistent Discord of Ramadan Announcements: A Frustrating Reality for UK Muslims in 1446 AH

The declaration of the commencement of Ramadan 1446 has, once again, been marred by confusion and inconsistency, highlighting the deeply entrenched divisions within the UK Muslim community regarding moon sighting methodologies. Those with appropriate knowledge of the subject knew in advance that it would be impossible to sight the new moon crescent with the naked eye on Friday evening from anywhere in Asia or Europe.

Initial expectations were shaped by the anticipated announcement from Saudi Arabian authorities, whose declarations often align with the pre-calculated dates of the Umm-ul Qura calendar. This year was no exception, with Saudi Arabia proclaiming a moon sighting at approximately 3:00 PM UK time. 

Further complicating matters, astronomers in the UAE released announcements accompanied by CCD imaging as evidence of a verified sighting.

https://x.com/AstronomyCenter/status/1895493690598330465

Translation of Arabic text above: As part of the efforts of the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory to investigate the crescent of the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH with the Emirates Fatwa Council, the following is the first image of the crescent of the month of Ramadan from the Islamic world, as it was photographed on Friday, February 28, 2025 AD from Abu Dhabi by the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory.

However, such technologically driven evidence remains largely unaccepted by the majority of UK Muslims, who adhere to the traditional requirement of naked-eye observation of the new moon crescent. Despite widespread attempts at sighting across the UK, these proved largely unsuccessful. The exception was Mr. Junaid Patel, a seasoned moon observer, who reported a successful sighting from Thurlestone using binoculars at 1827Hrs for about 2 seconds at —a criterion accepted by some UK ulema as fulfilling Shariah requirements. This includes the Wifaq-ul-ulema and Batley moonsighting committee who made their announcements at around 2010Hrs. The delays suggests a lot of deliberation took place.

This divergence in acceptance stands in stark contrast to the announcement from Morocco, a nation known for its meticulous naked-eye observation practices, conducted across 278 locations. The Morrocan authorities declared that no sighting had occurred. This news from Morocco came at about 1930Hrs. Those who follow local and Morocco moon sighting have announced Ramadan 1446 is to start on Sunday, 2nd March 2025

This situation is particularly frustrating. The fact that some UK ulema, who have previously insisted on naked-eye sightings, are now endorsing observations made with binoculars or telescopes further exacerbates the existing fragmentation. This apparent inconsistency erodes trust and inevitably leads to further discord within the community. However, this change n stance is based on a recent fatwa from Darul Uloom, Karachi issued on 24th Feb.2025. This fatwa was a key factor in Wifaq-ul-Ulema accepting the binoculars-only sighting testimony of Junaid Patel. It has, unfortunately, led to further confusion and division that undermines the shared spiritual experience of Ramadan. It is a deeply unsatisfying state of affairs that calls for a more unified and transparent approach to moon sightings in the UK.

It is important to follow the rulings of the same ulema you normally follow whose judgement you trust. 

Addendum

Looking ahead this does change things for the future. Juned Patel sighted the moon with binoculars only when the moon visibility charts stated it was in zone D (or code D). This confirms the accuracy of the moon visibility charts. 

The acceptance of a sole testimony for moon sighting by ICOUK and Wifaq-ul-ulema, which does align with Hanafi jurisprudence, has caused surprise and confusion among many observers. This reaction stems from a widespread understanding that new moon crescent sightings using optical aids would only be accepted if the crescent was also visible to the naked eye within specific visibility zones (A or B).

The implications of accepting such sightings in the future are twofold:

1. Limited participation: Moon sighting observations may become restricted to individuals with access to specialized optical equipment.
2. Increased alignment: There may be greater convergence between Saudi Arabian announcements and local UK moon sighting organizations.

This potential shift in moon sighting practices could have significant benefits for the Muslim community in the UK, potentially reducing discrepancies in the start and end dates of Islamic months. However, it also raises questions about the accessibility and inclusivity of the moon sighting process, as well as the balance between traditional methods and modern technology in determining Islamic calendar dates.

Ramadan Kareem Ramadan Mubarak

^{A. Hussain, 9pm 28th Feb 2025} 

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PREDICTED EIDAIN DATES FOR UK MUSLIMS

The following predicted dates are to allow professionals to book holidays in advance. As a precaution, it may be better to book 2 days for some Eid dates. A special thanks to Mr. Juned Patel of Bolton, U.K., for checking the data.

The crescent moon will NOT be visible by the naked eye in UK, or Asia on Friday 28th Feb 2025.

_{A. Hussain}

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_{Useful Links}

Moon Sighting UK

New Crescent Society

Crescent Moon Visibility UK Gov

Wifaq-ul-Ulema

Batley Moonsighting Committee

Central Moonsighting Committee

The UK & Europe Hilal Forum

The Scottish Hilal Forum