Moonsighting

No.The Sunnah established that the beginning of the month is tied to Certainty (Yaqeen). Visual sighting was the means to achieve that certainty in an unlettered era. This methodology does not cancel the concept of "sighting"; rather, it uses precise knowledge to verify if sighting is scientifically possible. It moves us from "conjecture" to "certainty," which is the ultimate goal of the Sunnah.

No.

This is a critical distinction. We do not rely on the mere astronomical birth (conjunction) of the moon. We rely on Imkān al-Ru’yah (Possibility of Sighting).

Currently, the sighting of the moon for the start of Islamic months is determined by local sightings, with Fiji Islands and Saudi Arabia being included in the process. In the past, when the moon was sighted in Fiji, New Zealand may choose not to follow suit.

In 2023, the month of Dhu'l-Qi'dah was only 29 days long, as it has been adjusted to ensure that Eid-ul-Adha is not celebrated more than 2 days apart from Saudi (Makkah). To clarify, the moon was not sighted, but 1st Dhul-Hijjah was announced anyway as if the moon was sighted. This led to another organization announcing Eid the following day. (Updated 16th June 2024 to correct the typo mistake)

The sighting of the crescent by the Muslims in east of the world is sighting for the Muslims in the west. They do not consider differences in distance. (Addurarulmukhtar Waraddulmuhtaar 2/ 131 to 1321). (Maraaqilfalaah P 109)

Reference :

1. Hashiyah Raddul Muhtaar; Volume 2, Page 131-132, 392
2. Fath Al Qadeer Ibnu Humaam; Volume 2, Page 243
3. Maraqi Al Falah; Page 109
4. Tabeen Al Haqaaiq; Volume 1, Page 321

If the crescent is sighted anywhere then, the entire Muslims should fast if they get the message that the moon was sighted by two or group who are trust worthy, regardless of the proximity or distance. (Asharhulkabir 1/ 510). (Bidaayatulmujtahid 1/278) (Alqawaanninulfiqhiyyah P117).

Reference :

1. Tamheed Ibn Abdul Barr; Volume 7, Page 159
2. Al Muntaqaa; Volume 2, Page 37
3. Al Sharh Al Kabir; Volume 1, Page 510
4. Bidayatul Mujtahid; Volume 1, Page 278

If the crescent is sighted in a country, the rule applies to it neighbours, not to those who are far away. (Alfiqhul-Islaamii 2/ 607) (Almajmoou 6/297) Mughnilmuhtaaj 1/422).

Imam Shafii used the following Athar as evidence: Once one of the companions, Kuraib narrated that Um Ul-Fadl has sent him to visit Muaa'wia in As-Shaam (Syria). He said: 'I went to As-Shaam and accomplished the purpose of my visit, and while I was there, Ramadaan started; I had seen the crescent moon on Thursday night, and then went back to Madinah at the end of the month. Ibn Abbaas mentioned the crescent moon asking, 'When did you see the crescent moon?' I replied: 'We saw it on Thursday night.' Ibn Abbaas then asked: 'Kuraib, did you see it?' I answered: 'Yes! And the people had seen it, and they fasted, and so did Muaa'wia.' So Ibn Abbaas said: 'But we had seen it Friday night, so we will fast until we complete thirty days or until we see the crescent moon. I then asked: 'Aren't you satisfied with Muaa'wia's sighting and his fasting?' Ibn Abbaas answered: 'No, this is what the Messenger of Allaah had ordered us to do. [Recorded by Imaam Muslim, and others]

If the sighting of the cresent is confirmed in a place/country, far or near, then, fasting is mandated on all Muslims, the one who sighted it and the one who did not sight it are equal in the ruling. (Kashaafulqinaai 2/353) Almughni Libni Qudaamah 4/338).

This is also the view of Allays, Asshawkaanii and other Shafii followers.

Reference:

1. Kashafu Al Qana'a; Volume 2, Page 353
2. Al Mughni; Volume 4, Page 328
3. Al Insaaf; Volume 7, Page 335-336

As explained earlier, the Hanafi, Maaliki, Hanbali, and some Shafii schools of thought support the idea of sighting the moon regionally or globally to determine the start of the Islamic month. This belief is based on the interpretation and understanding of Hadiths from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his companions, and the Tabieen. Allah knows best.

We have to wait until midnight to confirm the sighting of the moon in Malaysia or Indonesia, which determines the start of Eid or Ramadan. However, we can still begin fasting without performing Taraweeh, the optional night prayers.

Sometimes, we prioritize worldly matters and stay up late for them, so it's reasonable to wait for information regarding the moon sighting. Ultimately, Allah knows best.