From Fusion to confusion, why can’t Muslims have unified calendar to avoid moon sighting controvers

Fiaz Fazili Thu, Mar 23, 11:41 AM to editorgawahexpress GAWAH EXPRESS 26TH MARCH2023 From Fusion to confusion, why can’t Muslims have unified calendar to avoid moon sighting controversy The issue of the Islamic calendar and moon sighting controversy is a complex one that has been debated for centuries. Muslims follow a lunar calendar, which is based on the sighting of the new moon, and this can lead to differences in the timing of important religious events such as Ramadan and Eid. There are several reasons why Muslims have not been able to achieve a unified calendar, and I will discuss some of these reasons below. Like so many other years, Muslims in Kashmir once again were confused as to when to start fasting during Ramadan. Fasting of Ramadan was actually to be observed for two days. Can the First of Ramadan 1444 be 23rd March (UAE , Saudi Arabia, Pakistan ); 24 the March (India etc ).Yes, it’s that time of the Islamic festivals again when Muslims frantically call each other, asking: “What did the TV /local Grand Mufti announce?”, “Did they see the moon yet?”, “Has moon been sighted….where ,” and the single most effective question that seals the fate of one’s own fast, “What are YOU going to do?”. Out of all the symbols that Muslims could have chosen to symbolize the unity of community, it is indeed ironic that they chose the appearance of Hilal (crescent) which for many signifies the greatest manifestation of division amongst Muslims. Some intentionally provocative questions are: Why are the Islamic dates in such a mess? Which convention should Muslims use to determine the beginning and ending of Islamic months? Why can’t Muslims have a unified World Islamic calendar? “It is extremely unfortunate, not to say utterly embarrassing, that the Muslim people, who led the world for a millennium in every scientific discipline, developed the scientific method itself and taught science and rationality to the West, are still in a state of chaos over a relatively simple matter of science and Shari’ah, i.e., the lunar calendar. The controversy around moon sighting arises from the fact that there is no universally accepted method for determining the beginning of the Islamic lunar month. Some Muslims rely on local sightings of the crescent moon to determine the start of a new month, while others follow astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the month. This has led to disagreement and confusion among Muslims around the world and has prevented the establishment of a unified Islamic calendar. Different Interpretations of Moon Sighting; The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon. This presents a challenge for Muslims around the world who wish to celebrate Islamic holidays and events on the same day. One of the main reasons for the lack of a unified Islamic calendar is the differing interpretations of moon sighting. According to Islamic tradition, the physical sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of a new month in the lunar calendar. However, there is disagreement among Muslims about what constitutes a valid sighting. Some Muslims require that the new moon be physically sighted with the naked eye, while others accept sightings made with telescopes or other instruments. Additionally, some Muslim scholars hold that a sighting in one region should be accepted for the entire global Muslim community, while others believe that each region should have its own sighting. The other factors contributing to the disagreement over moon sighting is the interpretation of Islamic teachings. Some Muslims believe that the sighting of the crescent moon is a necessary requirement for the start of a new month, based on a hadith (a saying of the Prophet Muhammad). However, other Muslims argue that technological advancements have made it possible to accurately predict the start of the lunar month using astronomical calculations, and that reliance on moon sighting is not necessary. These differing interpretations can lead to confusion and disagreement among Muslims, particularly when it comes to the timing of important religious events such as Ramadan and Eid. For example, in some years, some Muslim countries may begin Ramadan a day earlier or later than others, based on differences in moon sighting. Political and Geographical Differences Another factor that contributes to the lack of a unified Islamic calendar is political and geographical differences. The Muslim world is vast and diverse, with Muslims living in different countries with different political and cultural contexts. Some Muslim countries may have their own unique traditions and practices, which can lead to differences in how the lunar calendar is calculated and observed. Our common sense demands that the prayer times in the USA and Saudi Arabia must be different in the earth which is a globe; America has night when India has day. So the times must be different everywhere. In an age when we can measure the properties of sub-atomic particles of moon sighting on the 29th of each month. In addition, some countries may have their own political or religious agendas, which can influence their approach to moon sighting and the Islamic calendar. For example, some Muslim countries may want to assert their authority or independence by adopting their own lunar calendar, rather than following a global standard. Lack of Consensus Among Muslim Scholars Another challenge in achieving a unified Islamic calendar is the lack of consensus among Muslim scholars. While there are many learned scholars who have written extensively about moon sightings and the Islamic calendar, there is no single authority that all Muslims follow. Different scholars may have different interpretations of Islamic law and tradition, which can lead to differing opinions on moon sighting and the calendar. No Muslim disputes that a crescent (Hilal) determines the beginning of an Islamic month. The Islamic Law states if one person (two for Eid) sees the new moon/crescent i.e. the visible new moon, then begins the new month. This is the Sunnah, and this is practiced by most Muslims all over the world and has been the practice since 1400 plus years, from when The Prophet (PBUH) himself established the new month in this way. Allah the exalted commands: “So he who from amongst you should witness the month should fast it” (Qur’an 2;185). The term witnessed is used meaning we must sight the moon. This convention is always universally applicable and accessible to all Muslims throughout the world. From the Fiqhi standpoint, one may begin the Islamic month on “local” sighting (Ikhtilaf al-Matali-when each locality is to insure that they cite the moon themselves and decide according to that the beginning of month) or Ittihad al-Matale’ based on sighting anywhere in the Muslim World (the case when crescent is sighted in one Islamic locality, then all localities are to follow it, so long as they share part of night). Although different, both positions are valid Islamic Fiqh positions. Muslims scholars have adopted different juristic positions as astronomically some data are definitive and conclusive (i.e. the time of birth of the Crescent (new moon) and timing of rise of set of moon and sun), but determining the visibility of the Crescent is not as definitive or conclusive; rather it is dependent upon several factors, including the available recordings around the world. Even though scholars have stated that the judge (Mufti/Qazi) does have legal jurisdiction when it comes to deciding whether or not to accept and or to deny claims of moon sighting. Moreover, some scholars may have personal or institutional biases that can influence their opinions on the matter. For example, a scholar who is affiliated with a particular mosque or school of thought may be more likely to adopt that mosque or school's approach to moon sighting and the calendar. Lack of Standardization and Coordination Another factor that contributes to the lack of a unified Islamic calendar is the lack of standardization and coordination among Muslim communities. While some organizations and institutions have attempted to develop a standardized approach to moon sighting and the calendar, there is no single body that has the authority to enforce such a standard. Moreover, there is often a lack of coordination among different Muslim communities, which can lead to confusion and disagreement. For example, some mosques or Islamic centers may rely on their own moon sighting committee to determine the beginning of a new month, while others may rely on a regional or national committee. This lack of coordination can lead to differences in the timing of important religious events. Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to establish a unified Islamic calendar. In 1978, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convened a conference to discuss the issue of moon sighting, and proposed the use of astronomical calculations to determine the start of the lunar month. However, this proposal was met with resistance from some Muslim scholars and organizations, who argued that moon sighting was necessary for religious reasons. There have been efforts to use a combination of moon sighting and astronomical calculations to establish a unified Islamic calendar. The Fiqh Council of North America, which is affiliated with ISNA, has proposed a methodology for determining the start of the lunar month that considers both moon sighting and astronomical calculations. This methodology has been adopted by some Muslim communities in North America, but has not been universally accepted. Historical and Cultural Factors In some Muslim countries, there may be a tradition of relying on physical moon sightings with the naked eye, while in others there are historical and cultural factors that contribute to the lack of a unified Islamic calendar. Islam has a long and rich history, with many different cultures and traditions that have developed over time. These cultural and historical factors can influence how Muslims approach moon sighting and the calendar. There are three main groups: 1. Those who ‘blindly’ follow Saudi Arabia, 2. Those who follow the concept of the birth of the new moon and 3. Those who follow the concept of the sighting, visibility of the new moon. Those who follow the Saudi / Egyptian dates are unwilling to accept that the Saudi dates cannot be based on a ‘sighted’ moon there, though they cannot see the same moon in North America 8-11 hours later. Most people who call for a global sighting do not understand moon phases. People in the Western hemisphere can usually see the moon first. And since it is already the NEXT day in the Middle East, then it is impossible to start. If the Muslims in the Polynesian Islands see the moon first, will you be willing to accept it? How about if we see it in America? Do you think the Middle East will start when we see it? The answers are of course--NO. Another factor contributing to the controversy is the issue of geographical location. The sighting of the crescent moon can vary based on the location of the observer, as well as weather conditions and other environmental factors. This means that Muslims in different parts of the world may see the crescent moon on different days, leading to differences in the start of the lunar month. Additionally, there are political and cultural factors that can influence moon sighting practices. In some countries, the Government may officially declare the start of the lunar month based on moon sighting, while in others, religious authorities or local communities may have more influence in determining the start of the month. Cultural traditions and customs can also play a role in moon sighting practices, with some communities relying more heavily on local sightings than others. In conclusion, the controversy over moon sighting and the establishment of a unified Islamic calendar is a complex issue that involves a variety of factors, including interpretation of Islamic teachings, geographical location, political and cultural influences, and technological advancements. While efforts have been made to establish a unified calendar, there is still a lack of consensus among Muslims around the world. Ultimately, the decision of how to determine the start of the lunar month is left up to individual communities and scholars, and may vary based on a variety of factors. ((Dr Fiaz Maqbool Fazili, is a Consultant Surgeon, has a Diploma in Islamic studies from Islamic University. His work has been published in local and international Journals.) --