New moons, different risings of the moon, and astronomical calculations

A: This is a wrong and Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) act because it is in disagreement with the commands of the Book of Allah, Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet Muhammad) of His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the regular practice of his Sahabah (Companions) and the Tabi`un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad) (may Allah be pleased with them all). This is based on the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) in which Allah (Glorified be He) says: They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage. Allah (Glorified be He) also says: And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: Start fasting on seeing the new moon (of Ramadan), and stop fasting on seeing the new moon (of Shawwal), and if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete the term (of the month) as thirty (days of Sha`ban.) In another narration: Observe fasting for thirty days. In another narration: Then complete the thirty days (of Sha'ban). These Ayahs and Hadiths indicate that it is obligatory to rely on sighting the new moon in determining the beginning and the end of Ramadan. If sighting the moon proves that the month of Ramadan is complete, i.e. Thirty days, then people must comply with this. Likewise, if it proves that the month is only twenty-nine days, then they must adhere to it. Many authentic Hadiths have been narrated from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to the effect that the month can be twenty-nine days or thirty days. That is why the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (Part No. 9; Page No. 10) commanded the Muslims to sight the new moon. Sha`ban and Ramadan must be completed as thirty days if the new moon is not sighted on the twenty-ninth day of each of them. Therefore, it is not for anybody to say that the month is always thirty days. This is because such an opinion is not in agreement with the authentic Hadiths narrated from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). It is also in disagreement with the Ijma` (consensus of Muslim scholars). All scholars unanimously confirmed that the month could be either thirty or twenty- nine days. The astronomical calculations also prove this fact, and it is known by everybody who is interested in this field. Allah (Glorified be He) said in His Glorious Book: O you who believe! Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), if you believe in Allâh and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. Scholars of Tafsir (exegesis of the meanings of the Holy Qur'an) and others stated: "Referring matters of controversy to Allah means judging them according to the commands of the Holy Qur'an, while referring them to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) means abiding by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad when he was alive or to follow his authentic Sunnah after his death." We have presented to you pieces of evidence from the Book of Allah, Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the Ijma` of Muslim scholars that the month of Ramadan can be either thirty days or twenty-nine days. No one is allowed to disregard this fundamental principle. Allah is the One sought for help. He is sufficient for us and the Best Disposer of affairs. (Part No. 9; Page No. 11) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.