Variance in the appearance of the new moon in different countries

A: There is a statement issued by the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on explaining the beginning and ending of the time of a day of fasting, the text of which is as follows: First: The difference in moon sighting is something which is well known, and there is no difference among the scholars concerning this. Rather the difference of scholarly opinions has to do with whether the difference in moon sighting matters or not. Second: The issue of whether the difference in moon sighting matters or not is a theoretical matter in which there is room for Ijtihad (juristic effort to infer expert legal rulings). Even people of great knowledge and piety differed concerning this matter. This is a type of difference which is acceptable, where the one who makes Ijtihad and gets it right will have two rewards, one for his Ijtihad and the other for getting it right, and the one who gets it wrong will be rewarded for his Ijtihad also. The scholars differed concerning this matter and there are two points of view: One is that the difference in moon sighting matters and the other is that it does not matter. Each group quotes evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah, and sometimes they quote the same text, such as when they both quote the Ayah: 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. (Part No. 10; Page No. 135) And the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him): Start fasting on seeing it (the new moon of Ramadan), and stop fasting on seeing it (the new moon of Shawwal). ... That refers to the difference in understanding the texts, and the different ways in which each group derives evidence from them. Based on the considerations that the Council has seen and examined, and based on the fact that the difference of opinion on this matter does not have any effect that may lead to undesirable consequences, since this religion appeared fourteen centuries ago and we do not know of any period during which the Ummah was united in moon sighting, the members of the Council of Senior Scholars opine that matters should be left as they are and that this subject should not be extremely discussed. Each Islamic state should have the right to choose whichever opinion it wishes, based on the suggestions of its own scholars, because each view has its evidence and proofs. Third: The Council has studied the issue of proving the appearance of the new moon by means of calculation, and what has been narrated in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and they have studied the comments of the scholars on this matter. They have decided unanimously that astronomical calculations carry no weight in determining the new moon with regard to Shar`y matters, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Start fasting on seeing it (the new moon of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing it (the new moon of Shawwal). ... And he (peace be upon him) said: Do not fast until you sight it (the moon) and do not break your fast until you sight it ... And because of other evidence to that effect. (Part No. 10; Page No. 136) With regard to appointing the times of Imsak (time of day that marks the beginning of the Fast) and Iftar (breaking the Fast) of every day of Ramadan, this is made clear by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) in His saying: ...and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night) The Ayah includes all Muslims everywhere and in every country i.e., every country can determine its night and day times.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.