بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ
Allah سبحانہ و تعالیٰ declares in the Quran: "This is your Ummah. It is one Ummah, and I am your Lord. So worship Me!" (Al-Muminun 21:92). This verse shows the principle of unity and group worship to be at the core of the religion of Islam. This principle becomes painfully compromised when UK Muslims observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid on different days, creating division where Islam demands unity. Such fragmentation undermines the very essence of communal worship that defines these sacred occasions. It seems as if egos, institutional rivalry, or mere convenience have been allowed to supersede the principle of unity.
For those in positions of religious authority—scholars, Masaajid council members, and organizational leaders—this disunity represents a profound failure of leadership that demands urgent redress. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that "each of you is a shepherd" responsible for their flock, placing a special burden on decision-makers to prioritize community cohesion over institutional differences or methodological preferences. As a minority community in Britain, Muslim unity in religious observances carries additional significance, affecting our collective representation, community cohesion, and the practical accommodations made by schools, employers, and public institutions.
The time has come for decisive action. UK Muslim leaders must recognize that working toward moonsighting unity is not optional but a duty. Decision-makers must take concrete steps to fulfil their responsibilities and properly serve the British Muslim community in promoting cohesion and collective welfare.
Analysis of Current Methods
1. Saudi Arabia-Based Moonsighting
Many UK Muslims follow Saudi Arabia's moonsighting announcements due to their perceived religious authority and the convenience of receiving decisions by Asr time in the UK. However, this method has been criticized for its reliance on the Umm al-Qura calendar, which is primarily a precalculated civil calendar rather than one based on actual crescent sightings. Scientific studies have documented instances where Saudi announcements contradict astronomical data, raising questions about their reliability. A recent fatwa by JKN has highlighted the problems of Saud moonlightings.
2. Morocco-Based Moonsighting
Historically, UK Muslims relied on Morocco for moonsighting due to its geographical proximity and similar time zones. This method aligns with classical Islamic rulings that recommend following the closest Muslim country when local sighting is not possible. However, logistical challenges, such as late-night announcements from Morocco, make this approach less practical for many UK Muslims.
3. Local UK Moonsighting
Advocates for local moonsighting argue that it adheres most closely to the Sunnah and eliminates dependence on foreign announcements. Organizations like ICOUK and the New Crescent Society have demonstrated through several years of data collection that local moonsighting is feasible despite the UK's challenging weather conditions. However, this method faces resistance from those accustomed to foreign announcements and from groups prioritizing global unity.
4. Astronomical Calculations
Some propose using astronomical calculations to predict crescent visibility accurately. While calculations cannot replace physical sighting according to most Islamic scholars, they can serve as a supplementary tool to guide observers and verify reports. This method has gained traction among some UK organizations due to its precision and practicality.
Proposal: A Unified UK Moon Sighting Authority
To achieve unity, a centralized "UK Moon Sighting Authority" should be established, integrating traditional Islamic principles with modern scientific tools. This body would oversee all moonsighting efforts in the UK and ensure consistency across communities.
Key Components of the Proposal
- Establishment of a Representative Body
- The authority should include scholars from all major Islamic organizations in the UK (e.g., Wifaq-ul-Ulama, CMSC, ICOUK, New Crescent Society, BMSC, SHF etc.) alongside astronomers and community leaders.
- The decision-makers from the various moonsighting organisations must be willing to sit down together for the sake of unity.
- Its decisions must be binding for participating mosques and organizations to ensure uniformity. This step is crucial for success.
- Adoption of Local Moonsighting
- Local moonsighting should be prioritized as it aligns with the Sunnah and ensures independence from foreign influences.
- A network of trained observers across the UK has already been established to a certain extent to maximize visibility opportunities despite weather challenges. This process should continue to increase the number of trained observers.
- Integration of Astronomical Calculations
- Astronomical data should guide observers on when and where crescent visibility is possible.
- Calculations can also help verify or invalidate reported sightings, ensuring accuracy and preventing errors.
- Integration of astronomical data to ensure any observation does not defy human logic. That is to say a sighting of the hilāl in one location must be confirmed by other observers in the West even if it is in a different country.
- Use of Optical Aids
- This is likely to be a point of much discussion based on the declaration of the start of Ramadan 1446 H by Wifaq-ul-ulema due to a solitary observation by binoculars.
- The emphasis in classical Hanafi texts has been on the reliability of testimony rather than the means of sighting. The primary concern was reliability rather than the method of observation.
- The use of optical aids such as binoculars and telescopes should be permitted. This approach aligns with contemporary fatwas from respected institutions like Darul Uloom Karachi, ref. 2683/41, which recently approved binocular-aided sightings. Optical aids enhance visibility in challenging conditions while remaining consistent with Shariah requirements. This will have the added advantage of aligning UK Hijri dates with Saudi moonsighting announcements, albeit not on all occasions.
- Over the years with more data from UK sightings, the UK Moon Sighting Authority may opt for naked-eye sighting-only criteria.
- Regional Coordination When Necessary
- In cases where local sighting is not possible (e.g., due to persistent cloud cover), coordination with nearby countries like Morocco could serve as a backup option. The use of foreign moonsighting can eventually be eliminated.
- Transparent Communication Mechanisms
- A centralized reporting system should collect and verify sighting reports in real time.
- Decisions should be announced promptly through official channels to avoid confusion.
- Educational Initiatives
- Public education campaigns should explain the importance of moonsighting, its basis in Islamic tradition, and how decisions are made.
This will help build trust in the new system and address misconceptions about local moonsighting.
Addressing Resistance
- Convenience Factor: To address concerns about losing the convenience of early announcements (as with Saudi Arabia), efforts should focus on streamlining local reporting processes to ensure timely decisions.
- Global Unity Concerns: While some argue for global unity through Saudi-based announcements, it is important to emphasize that Islamic tradition prioritizes local sighting over distant reports (as evidenced by the Kuraib Hadith).
Community Engagement: Engaging imams, mosque committees, and community leaders early in the process will help build consensus and mitigate resistance.
Benefits of a Unified Approach
- Religious Integrity: Local moonsighting adheres to classical Islamic rulings while incorporating modern tools for accuracy.
- Community Cohesion: A unified calendar will allow all UK Muslims to observe Ramadan and Eid together, fostering stronger social bonds.
- Independence: Establishing a UK-based system reduces reliance on foreign countries with differing methodologies or political influences.
Practical Feasibility: Years of observational data have proven that local moonsighting is achievable in the UK.
Conclusion
The moonsighting issue reflects broader tensions between tradition, modernity, and communal unity among UK Muslims. By establishing a centralized UK Moon Sighting Authority that prioritizes local observations while integrating scientific tools like astronomical calculations and optical aids, British Muslims can overcome longstanding divisions. This approach respects Islamic principles, addresses logistical challenges, and fosters unity without compromising religious integrity. Ultimately, it is only through collaborative efforts that UK Muslims can move beyond fragmented practices toward a shared calendar that unites them in faith and practice.
A. Hussain, 3rd March 2025