The Dilemma of Moon Sighting In The Perspective of Modern Technology: A Critical Review

Year 2015, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 249 - 258, 01.06.2015

Hafiz Saluhiddin

Abstract

This is the greatest benevolence of the Islamic “Shari`ah” on the
Muslims, to have directed them to practice their religions events in compliance
with witnessing the moon through natural and simple method. It has further
extended its favor to them to held and observe their “Ramadan” and “Eidain” in
their own region, on the happening of moon sighting. So far the possibility of
difference of opinion on the basis of clouds or pollution, are concerned, the same
is removed through the evidences. However, in all these issues Islamic “Shari`ah”
has taken the view of the difference of the atmosphere surrounding the moon at
a specific time.
The main Reason in the difference of opinions about moon sighting is that some
of the scientists think that they can realize the existence of the crescent in the sky
through observatory and other mathematical assessments or calculations. This has
been very categorically clarified by the modern sciences. So why not we may
benefit from this technology so that we may not be in dire need of producing
witnesses for sighting the moon. It has therefore become very essential to clarify
the “Shari status” of the use of modern technology in this regard. The article
beforehand is aimed to prove that the creation of the moon is not sufficient for
establishing the sighting of the moon but as a matter of fact witnessing the same
with the naked eyes is required.

Keywords

Moon Sighting, Observatory, Crescent, Witnessing, Naked Eyes