Establishing the Lunar Crescent by Sight or Scientific Knowledge - Jurisprudential Answers - Miscellaneous Issues, Vol 4

Question and answer [link]

Question 37

We read the following question in Jurisprudential Answers - Fasting: ‘Q42: Must the crescent be seen with the naked eye, or is seeing it through modern devices such as telescopes sufficient? A: Devices may be used to determine the location, elevation and direction, but the crescent is not established unless it is seen with the naked eye.’ With the development of science, astronomers can now calculate the lunar phases precisely and photograph the moon at the end of the month through conjunction and the beginning curvature of the new crescent down to the hour and second. There are also narrations confirming establishment of the crescent through calculation and certain knowledge, and Quranic usage of ‘seeing’ is not confined to physical eyesight; moreover, eyesight can be mistaken while certain knowledge is not. Perhaps this scientific development is a divine invitation to unify the community in fasting times and Muslim festivals. What is your view on establishing the beginning of months through eyesight versus certain scientific knowledge?

Source: Jurisprudential Answers - Miscellaneous Issues, Vol 4; Author: Imam Ahmed Al-Hasan; Question 37; Page Not available; FIQH-MISC-V4-Q037. View Arabic source · Open the original Arabic source ↗