Many people, understandably, are very perplexed as to why we always begin/end Ramadaan differently from the general Muslim community. As a visitor had raised this question, it might be appropo to re-present our answer to him.
We are a little more inclined to include both religious and scientific data to aid us in our decision-making process. We are people literate in the Shari’a, and we prefer both these sets of data to govern our decision-making process.
Please consider the following. Some say the ‘moon has been sightd in Corona’ as if it is a matter of fact!!! Who saw the moon in Corona? Does he/she have a name? How many people ’saw it in Corona’? Does the muslim seeing it have a phone number? Does the seer have an address? Was the person(s) prepared for an interview regarding the credibility of her/his so called ’sighting’?
Scientifically, this sighting was close to impossible! We have been in contact with the major scientists within the United States of America. Each scientist that we have spoken to had made mention of the following: ‘regarding the sightability of the moon with the eye, it would be impossible.’ Must we follow an unknown Corona or credible Muslim scientists?
If you are confident that you followed the correct day, than let not guilt bother you and make you take part in unnecessary debating. Stay focused on deen, turn to Allah and pray for all people.
Since you seem like you truly want answers to guide you in this process (maybe I am wrong, but I have good thoughts about people that email or communicate with us), learn the following issues pertaining to the moon: What is the birth of moon? At birth, can one see with the naked eye? How many hours after its birth can people see it? How does visibility affect sightability? What are the latidudes (angles) of visibility? Can all places see it when its visibile or does visibility refer to specific time(s) and place(s)… Where are these places? These are only a few questions to get you started! We are confident that when you study these basic issues pertaining to the moon, you will not fall for dubious abd incredible sightings. May God increase our knowlege! Ameen!
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