Are astronomical calculations permissable for Ramadhan?
Question
Are astronomical observations and calculations acceptable for the commencement of Ramadhan etc?
Answer
There is unanimity amongst the jurists of islam that it is not permissible to start Ramadhan with astronomical calculations.Nabi SAW said:”Start fasting when you sight the crescent and celebrate eid when you sight the crescent.” (Bukhari Shareef). therefore sighting of the moon is a pre-requisite for the commencement of Ramadhan and Shawwaal and the birth of the moon is not the criteria.
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Darul Uloom Newcastle. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, please ask a Mufti. Report an issue
For corrections or mistakes, please email us at fatawasa786@gmail.com.
Source: Darul Uloom Newcastle — https://darululoomnewcastle.co.za/are-astronomical-calculations-permissable-for-ramadhan/
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/newcastle-1556
Related fatawa
Azaadville15 Sep 2026The Usage Of Astronomical Calculations To Establish The Dawning Of An Islamic MonthIt seems that some countries are using astronomical calculations to indicate the new month i.e without…
Mufti Online12 Jul 2012Sighting the Moon of EidToday is the 29th of Ramadhaan. It is waajib for a party to observe the sky for the visibility of the moon…- Mufti Online11 Jul 2017Moon sightingHow this moon sighting thing works in different countries? Why eid is celebrated on different days by…
- Mufti Online20 Jun 2012Sighting the Moon for EidWe here in the Western Cape are split on the issue regarding the sighting of the moon for Eid. My wife and…
Ask Imaam27 Aug 2000Moon Sighting Announcements in Saudi Arabia Valid?I am writing this letter to you with regards to the controversy surrounding the sighting of the crescent…
DU Newcastle28 Apr 2015Upon Whom is Fasting in Ramadhaan Compulsory?Upon whom is fasting in Ramadhaan Compulsory?