Fiqh Council of North America has decided to use astronomical calculations for the Islamic lunar calendar. I like the idea, but it is very controversial in the community. Let’s take a look at the blogosphere’s reaction.

I am not a scholar or student of knowledge. Although, I do try to gain knowledge by reading and taking classes, I am only a lay person. As such, I read opinions and their proofs and follow the people of knowledge that I trust.

I know or have had access to a number of scholars on the Fiqh Council as well as good students of knowledge in my community. And although there is much disagreement on this issue what I have understood from them in general is that the opinion supporting calculations derives from legitimate ijtihad and is thus permissible to follow it.

I know that others take the view that it is impermissible although that is not my view (or more precisely the view of those I am following). I am almost certain that my local masjid will not follow the opinion of calculations and if so I will accept that from them without any problem.

My view is that it is not a problem when valid ijtihad is being followed for of a surety, the mujtahid that strove with sincerity to come to a conclusion is rewarded not punished by Allah subhanahu wa ta ala even if he is mistaken. Allah subhanahu wa ta ala is so Merciful and Forgiving and I desire His Mercy and Forgiveness so I try to have mercy for matters of sincere disagreement amongst scholars.

W’Allahu ta ala Alam.

its like this – Allah(swt) knows best what advances in astronomical calculations we will make, and their accuracy, and what will be needed for past, present, future, and with all of that Knowledge, al-Hakeem still legislated for us to sight the moon (2:185) and revealed to the Prophet(saw) [54:3-4] to say that we do not use calculations in sighting of the moon.

i would understand the point, if for example, there were conflicting texts, or differences from early generations of scholars on this issue (e.g. niqab vs. hijab), however, one finds no major scholar of the past or any madhhab supporting calculations, or any text opposing its prohibition.

as an aside, good points about the muslim blogosphere, i too have had my eyes opened ever since i started blogging, and gotten exposed to many more thoughts, ideas, and a better feel of how muslims react to certain issues that one may otherwise not normally get from just mingling at their local masjids.

jazakumallahu khayran

It’s strange yet amazing how I keep runing into people in the Muslim blogosphere.

It makes you realize how many Muslims are really out there rather than a lifeless number in an annual publication from CAIR.

Thank you for you comment, it was most insightful.

wasalaam

It’s strange yet amazing how I keep runing into people in the Muslim blogosphere.

The sighting of the moon is an issue of fiqh not of aqeedah. Our aqeedah does not change but fiqh rulings can shift depending on the situation.

Ex. Stoning the Jamaarat.

At the time of the sahaba the crowds were not as large as they are today. There were no massive stampedes and people being trampled to death at hajj whereas in our times hundreds of hajjis may be killed if the crowds get out of control. Hence the ulama have relaxed their previous opinion and allowed people to stone the jamaarat for a longer period of time.

This is not innovation but the natural flexibility built into the Shariah.

Wa salaam

All the scholarly debate should be conducted with one objective, to come to a workable consensus that best serves Allah, Islam and Muslims living in America.

Well said… thank you Kari… JazakAllah.

wasalaam

you are also correct on the disunity, but again i would contend that even if theoretically some short term unity is achieved through this, it won’t last, because unlike the quran/sunnah it is a policy that doesn’t transcend time/place.