Decisions regarding sighting of new moon

COLOMBO: The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama with the participation of Aalims representing the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama and Colombo Grand Mosque have arrived at several decisions regarding sighting of the new moon. All decisions pertaining to the Islamic months shall be made on the basis of sighting the new moon locally with the naked eye.

Sighting of the new moon locally with the naked eye shall be the basis when looking out for new moon. When Muslim astronomers confirm that it is impossible for the naked eye to sight the new moon on a particular day, that stand based on the astronomical observations shall be accepted and it shall be concluded that it is impossible to sight the new moon on that day.

A team of Muslim astronomers shall assist the Hilaal Committee of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama.

In the event of assumption by a person/persons that the new moon was sighted on a particular day on which it is concluded that sighting the new moon with the naked eye is impossible, such a person/persons, as a way of obeying the leadership and co-operating with the community, shall not persuade others to fast or celebrate the festival on that day or declare same. Such a person/persons shall be permitted personally to act on his/her/their assumption of sighting the new moon.

The meeting was presided by Mutti Ash-Shaikh M.I.M. Rizwe.