At a time when the Supreme Court in the Kingdom called for investigating the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal during the past two days, just as it used to investigate the sighting of the crescent of Ramadan and the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah, prior to the entry of the holy months, there is much talk in many Islamic countries about seeing the crescents of those months, and whether Has the month actually entered, or is there a discrepancy from one country to another, but many countries depend on seeing the crescent in Saudi Arabia to enter these months.
The process of investigating the sighting of the crescent and the birth of the new moon, which determines the beginning of observing the lunar month, is important in determining the months of the Hijri year with which Islamic rites are associated. After that, the crescent disappears, so it cannot be seen after that, and monitoring takes place in open places where the horizon appears without obstacles, such as hills, mountains, and urbanization, and the observer also moves away from the sources of disturbing lighting for the monitoring process, as well as weather factors, humidity, dust, and clouds that affect the clarity of vision and monitoring capabilities.
When is the certificate not accepted?
Astronomer Salman Al Ramadan told “Okaz” that the crescent of Ramadan and Dhu al-Hijjah is observed on the twenty-ninth of the lunar month (Hijri), and the first condition for monitoring and investigation is that the moon has entered a new cycle. This is what is known in astronomy by conjunction and among the general public by the birth of the crescent, then that the moon has stayed, which is to remain after sunset a sufficient time during which the sun’s glare can dim and darkness settle, and that the moon has made geometric angles with the sun and the earth in the place of observation to allow the reflection of light The sun is on a part of it which is the crescent.
Al Ramadan added that people in the past used to observe randomly on the night of the 30th of the month, and there was no attention to the conjunction, as well as to the engineering characteristics, and it was sufficient for the justice and recommendation of the witnesses, but the situation today is knowledge, and real astronomers and observers have diligently spread astronomical culture in general, including it. The culture of observation and initiation, so testimony is no longer accepted before the conjunction occurs or the moon sets before the sun, because that is a scientific axiom.
Fasting for 28 days.. What is the solution?
Astronomer Salman Al Ramadan believes that every month has circumstances that differ from what came before and after it, and in Islamic history. History A 28-day fast occurred due to the cloudiness of several months, which made them count it as 30 days, and at the end of Ramadan, specifically on the night of the 29th, the crescent appeared clearly, but the matter was repeated about 3 decades ago in Saudi Arabia due to the lack of observance of astronomy and the fairness of witnesses. A number of astronomers and observers wrote and spoke. In lectures, seminars, conferences and in the media about that.
Those who fasted Ramadan in 1404 AH recall the statement of the Ministry of Justice from the same year about fasting Ramadan 28 days, and the statement asked Muslims to spend an additional day to complete the month of Ramadan 29 days for them, and the Ministry of Justice at that time issued a statement, in which it said, “Given that the month of Shawwal has been established this year 1404 AH, Friday Corresponding to the 30th of Ramadan, according to Umm Al-Qura’s calendar, with the legal structure amended in more than one website in the Kingdom.. It has been proven that the first Ramadan is on Thursday, and the Muslims in the Kingdom and those who fast with their fasts only fast 28 days, and it is proven from the Messenger, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, in the Sahih that he said (the month Thus, and so on, numbering once thirty days and once twenty-nine days.
Therefore, the Muslims in the Kingdom and those who fasted their fasts must fast one day to complete the month for them of 29 days, as the people of knowledge stated in such a case based on what was proven from the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, regarding the month’s number, and whoever wants to fast six days of Shawwal should not fast until after spend this day.”
Fasting on the day of making up
His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Al-Sabil, may God have mercy on him, delivered the Eid sermon in the Sacred Mosque after it was established that the month of Shawwal had entered, as Muslims fasted in that year 28 days of Ramadan instead of 29 days, and Sheikh Al-Sabil stressed at that time the necessity of fasting on the day of making up, because it is obligatory and it takes precedence over fasting Al-Nafl and Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned in his fatwas that this happened in the time of Ali bin Abi Talib, may God be pleased with him, when they fasted 28 days, and Ali ordered them to fast the day that they lacked and complete the month of 29 days.
How do people know entering the feast?
Since ancient times, the media has been of great importance in introducing people to the beginning of the holy month, as the radio was previously the only source in many countries of the world in entering a month, as well as Ramadan, an important role in announcing the sighting of the crescent, and with the advent of television and the development in receiving information, people began to sit Behind the TV screens to watch the news broadcasts to know the entry of the crescent of Ramadan, after the vision was approved by the Council of Senior Scholars.
What is the ruling of one who saw alone?
• What is proven to be the beginning and end of the month of Ramadan, and what is the ruling on seeing the crescent alone at the beginning or end of the month?
•• Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz answered this question – may God have mercy on him – and said: The entry and exit of the month is proven by two or more witnesses of justice, and its entry is proven by only one witness, because it was proven from the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, that he said: “If two witnesses testify, then fast and break their fast.”
And it was proven from him, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, that he commanded people to fast according to the testimony of Ibn Umar, may God be pleased with them both, and the testimony of a bedouin, and he did not ask for another witness. And the wisdom in that, and God knows best, is to be on the safe side with respect to religion when entering and leaving, as the people of knowledge stipulated. The Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: “Fasting is the day you fast, breaking the fast is the day you break your fast, and Al-Adha is the day you sacrifice.”
Mohammed Al-Shahrani (Dammam) @mffaa1