FatwaNationalAstronomy & Calendar
Hukum Mencerap Hilal Dari Satelit
What is the ruling on observing the new crescent moon (hilal) using satellites?
Short answer
The 81st Muzakarah of the National Fatwa Committee, held on 31 March 2008, decided that there is currently no need to use satellites to observe the hilal for determining the lunar months, especially Ramadan, Shawwal and Dhulhijjah.
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
The 81st Muzakarah of the National Fatwa Committee, held on 31 March 2008, decided that there is currently no need to use satellites to observe the hilal for determining the lunar months, especially Ramadan, Shawwal and Dhulhijjah. The reason given is that the existing hisab (calculation) and rukyah (sighting) methods remain suitable. However, using satellites for research and for recording the moon's movement is permitted.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
buat masa ini belum ada keperluan untuk menggunakan satelit bagi mencerap hilal dalam menentukan bulan-bulan qamariah khususnya Ramadhan, Syawal dan Zulhijjah memandangkan kaedah hisab dan rukyah yang digunakan masih sesuai.
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). “Hukum Mencerap Hilal Dari Satelit”, 31 March 2008. https://www.islam.gov.my/images/ePenerbitan/KOMPILASI_MUZAKARAH_MKI_2016.pdf#hukum-mencerap-hilal-dari-satelit. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-observing-hilal-using-satellites/