Moon Sighting announcement for 6 May 2008 (Jamad al-Ula 1429 AH) by Shaykh Sulayman Gani in IslamiQA program, Islam Channel TV, UK (Sky 813).
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They ask you (O Muhammad) about the crescent moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage. [Quran 2:189]
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And the moon, We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old dried curved date stalk. [Quran 36:39]
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Duaa: O Allah, let this crescent appear to us with luck, faith, safety and Islam. (O moon) Your Lord and my Lord is Allah.
[Hadith 3373, http://www.al-islam.com/arb/ ]
Mufti Taqi Usmani 19th Dhul Hijja 1412 AH: I have replied to you letter and I hope that you have now received the earlier letter. In Saudi Arabia the sighting of the moon has been accepted before even the birth of the moon on many occasions which is impossible in my view. I have discussed the situation with many Saudi Ulama and they are also disturbed with these occurrences however since this is in the hands of the Majlisul Qadha Al-A’la they are helpless.
alqawaa 1 year ago
Our opinion is that not every testimony is conclusive (Qat’ee), there is the possibility of error. Astronomical calculations are conclusive, whereas there could be an error in the deductions made in their testimony. Hence if the testimony is against the opinion of expert astronomers, it should be rejected... (Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani. Mas'alah Ruyat e Hilal Haqaaiq awr Galat Fahmiyah (Al Haaj Abdul Kareem bin Moosa) Page 26)
alqawaa 1 year ago
It is not permissible for the people of the UK to follow Saudi Arabia, due to the sighting in Saudi being against the principles of the Hanafi Maslak (FIQH) and established science. It is unacceptable for Pakistan therefore it cannot be regarded as acceptable for the Muslims in the United Kingdom either. (Fatwa Mufti E Aazam UK, Mufti Ismael Kacholwee, 16th of January 1992)
alqawaa 1 year ago