Are astronomical calculations permissable for Ramadhan?
Question
Are astronomical observations and calculations acceptable for the commencement of Ramadhan etc?
Answer
There is unanimity amongst the jurists of islam that it is not permissible to start Ramadhan with astronomical calculations.Nabi SAW said:”Start fasting when you sight the crescent and celebrate eid when you sight the crescent.” (Bukhari Shareef). therefore sighting of the moon is a pre-requisite for the commencement of Ramadhan and Shawwaal and the birth of the moon is not the criteria.
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