Moon Sighting

Question

In different parts of the world moon is sighted on different days. Should we follow the local shahadat or the moon sighted any where in the world. Please give the answer in detail with references. I heard a Hadith that a Sahabi Radi Allahu came to Rasoolullah and told that In a perticular place the moon has been sighted He replied that they should follow that. Also, A sahabi came and greeted eid to Rasoolullah while they were fasting. He told that I have travelled from some place where last evening I did saw the moon. The prophet broke his fast and the Eid prayers were offered the next day.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

Kindly refer below our standard reply to similar query.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

The Jurists (Fuqahaa) have differences of opinion on whether Ikhtilaaf-e-Mataalih is considered (Mu'tabar) or not. According to the Zaahir-e-Riwaayat (view considered for Fatwa), it is not considered which means that one reliable sighting anywhere (not only Saudia Arabia) in the world is valid. However, the problem in the sighting of the moon, is that there are many errors in the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia. If the errors are rectified and after Shahaadah of an individual/s sighting the moon, decision is taken in consultation with the officials of the Hilaal Sighting Committee, then it will be valid for the entire Muslim Ummah. Similar procedures must be put in place in other countries as well, as the moon may be sighted elsewhere and not necessarily Saudia Arabia.

In view of the present discrepancies in moon sighting, the view that Ikhtilaaf-e-Mataalih is considered should be adopted and each country should make their own independent decisions. It is incorrect for the Muslims in North America (especially the Arab brethren) to follow Saudia Arabia's ruling on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha due to the moonsighting being inconsistent with Shari'ah laws of sighting the moon.

Question

Answer