FatwaPerakAstronomy & Calendar
Pengisbatan Anak Bulan Dari Perspektif Syariah dan Astronomi
What is the ruling on sighting the new moon with optical aids and imaging techniques, and how many witnesses are required to confirm it?
Short answer
The Perak Fatwa Committee ruled that sighting the new moon with the naked eye assisted by optical equipment is permissible.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Perak State Mufti Department
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Fatwa Yang Tidak Diwartakan
- Topic
- Astronomy & Calendar
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The Perak Fatwa Committee ruled that sighting the new moon with the naked eye assisted by optical equipment is permissible. Sighting through imaging techniques is also permitted under JAKIM's prescribed parameters and must meet the Imkanur Rukyah criteria. Confirmation requires one just witness for Ramadan and two for other months, while imaging requires two just Muslim witnesses. Women's testimony is accepted.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Hukum melihat anak bulan melalui mata kasar dengan bantuan peralatan optik adalah harus;
Read the full fatwa on the Perak website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Perak State Mufti Department. “Pengisbatan Anak Bulan Dari Perspektif Syariah dan Astronomi”, date not stated. https://mufti.perak.gov.my/images/Fatwa%20tidak%20warta/9.PENGISBATAN%20ANAK%20BULAN%20DARI%20PERSPEKTIF%20SYARIAH%20DAN%20ASTRONOMI.pdf. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-moon-sighting-optical-aids-imaging/