Deciding the Beginning of Ramadan Using the Calculation (Hisab) Method
Question:
At some muslim countries, there are many people who deliberately begin their fast without using the method of ru’yah (seeing the moon), but merely by the looking at the calendar. What is the ruling for such practice?
Answer:
It is not lawful to begin the Ramadan fast by other means but seeing the moon, based on the saying of the Messenger of Allah -peace and prayer of Allah be upon him-,
صوموا لرؤيته وأفطروا لرؤيته، فإن غم عليكم؛ فاقدروا له
“Fast when you have seen (months) and eat (celebrate the Eid) because you’ve seen it. “ (Narrated by Al Bukhari in his book of hadith, 2/229)
And it is not allowed to rely on the calculation method, because the calculation method contradicts the shari’a, and it often misses. But for people who live in non muslim countries, where there are no group of muslim that concern about seeing the moon, they should follow the muslim country nearer to their countries, and more trusted in studying the moon phases.
If they can’t obtain any news that they can use as standard regarding this matter, then they are allowed to rely on the calculation, based on the saying of Allah the Exalted,
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ
“So hold Allah in awe as much as you can.” (Qs. At-Taghabun: 16)
All praises be to Allah, the communication devices of today are very complete, and the embassy of Islamic countries are already established on countries around the world, thus it is compulsory for every muslim to recognize this matter and other matters of this religion. (Fatwa of Sheikh Shalih Al Fauzan, from the book ” Al Muntaqa Min Fatawa Asy Sheikh al Fauzan”)
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Article of www.whatisquran.com.com