FatwaNationalAstronomy & Calendar
Kesabitan Anak Bulan Ramadhan & Syawal
How is the sighting of the Ramadan and Shawwal new moon established when it cannot be seen?
Short answer
If the new moon is not visible because of cloud cover, but the calculation of Shariah-qualified astronomers shows that it exists and can be seen, their calculation may be used.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- National Fatwa Committee (JAKIM)
- Date
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Kompilasi Pandangan Hukum Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa MKI (JAKIM, terbitan 2016)
- Topic
- Astronomy & Calendar
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
If the new moon is not visible because of cloud cover, but the calculation of Shariah-qualified astronomers shows that it exists and can be seen, their calculation may be used. If the weather is clear and the new moon is still not sighted, the month must be completed at 30 days. This was decided by the 14th Muzakarah of the National Fatwa Committee on 14 July 1977.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Anak bulan Ramadhan dan Syawal kiranya tidak kelihatan dilindungi awan (ghaim) padahalnya mengikut kiraan ahli-ahli falak syarie anak bulan itu tetap ada dan boleh nampak, maka kiraan ahli-ahli falak syarie bolehlah digunakan.
Read the full fatwa on the National website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
National Fatwa Committee (JAKIM). “Kesabitan Anak Bulan Ramadhan & Syawal”, 14 July 1977. https://www.islam.gov.my/images/ePenerbitan/KOMPILASI_MUZAKARAH_MKI_2016.pdf#kesabitan-anak-bulan-ramadhan-syawal. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/establishing-ramadan-shawwal-new-moon-sighting/