Quote:
Originally Posted by Suey
lol….but no, you need to explain more on this moon sighting issue; don’t you think basing on the moon is quite medieval? For instance, what if, geographically, something happens and the moon doesn’t turn up for more than 2 days? Would EID be postponed until the moon shows?
Why do they say Saudi is the first to sight the moon, I though the world being a globe and any places on the same latitude would equally be able to sight the moon at the same time and isn’t that sometimes the moon sets before sunset in Saudi?
See more explanation needed…
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Dear Suey,
Some explanations of moon sighting we already found some of them are listed below:
1) Why muslims prefer moon sighting instead of going 100% by scientific calculation:
New Moon birth calculations are based on observation by observatories and they are not just mathematical calculations. What they calculate today for any future date may not be exact, because the orbits and speeds of moon and earth changes slightly and may be different 5 years from now.
Science can give approximate hours hilal can be seen with naked eye, binoculars, or telescope. There is no exact answer, because there are many other factors that are more important for visibility such as atmospheric conditions, human optics, experience of observer etc.
It is true that on any given day new hilal is seen in some parts of the earth, and not others. This is due to curvature of the earth. Astronomical calculations for possibility of sighting new moon with naked eye or by telescope by its own definition (possibility) cannot be exact.
Time passed after New Moon Birth is called the age of the moon. Sighting is possible at different age in different months. The orbit of the moon is elliptical and in its orbit, the moon moves faster when it is closer to the earth, and slower when it is farther from earth. When it moves faster, the moon becomes visible at smaller age (like 17 hours), and when it moves slower, it becomes visible at larger age (like 23 hours). The main factor that makes the moon visible is the angle between moon-earth-sun. When this angle becomes about 9 degrees, the moon starts to be visible. How much time it takes to get this angle depends upon the speed of the moon in its orbit.
( Excerpts)
2) Importance of moon sighting in Islam
There are many injunctions in Shari’ah ( Islam) that are implemented due to the determination of lunar months. For example, fasting, hajj, and both annual celebrations such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are all determined by the lunar months. The Gregorian calendar has nothing to do with such injunctions.
( Excerpt)
Now the only question remains is whether it is permissible to use scientific instruments or calculations to determine the first day moon.
I am agree with the answer that it is permissible to use scientific instruments but it is not permissible to use scientific calculations. ( Allah knows best)
Any question welcome.
Best Regards