Should we follow local moon-sighting or Saudi Arabia?

“The sighting of the moon of a country in “close proximity” is a valid view. This would fall under the ambit of local moonsighting. Discrepancies in the Saudi Arabia moon sighting have been noted by senior scholars. That being said, our advice is to follow the opinion your family may follow to facilitate ease and unity.”

“The commencement of the lunar month by Saudi Arabia is based on the mere birth of the moon and not the actual sighting. This is also clear from the latest decision of the commencement of Dhul-Hijjah of this year (1439/2018). It was impossible to have sighted the crescent during the partial solar eclipse anywhere the world.”

“Each people will have their ninth of Zil-Hijjah according to their sighting, just as the night of Qadr may be on Monday in one country, Tuesday in Makkah and Wednesday in Africa. Hence, the Eid will be most likely different, as the decision will be based upon the sighting and not on what Saudi Arabia declares.”

“If a person physically saw the moon with his own eyes and the government passes a judgement contrary to his observation, in this case he should not follow the government.”