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Phases of Moon |
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He is the Cleaver of the Daybreak
(from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquility and the sun and moon
for the reckoning (of time): such is the judgment and ordering of (Him) the Exalted
in Power, the All-knowing.
(Al-Qur’an 6:96)
The sun and the moon follow courses
(exactly) computed;
(Al-Qur’an55:5)
And He has made the sun and the
moon both diligently pursuing their courses to be of service to you and has made of
service to you the night and the day.
(Al-Qur’an 14:33)
Almighty Allah (swt) has shown His
Mercy on us, that it dawns everyday in this earth. He has made planets
in this universe that are much bigger compared to our
earth , where there is no scope of rays of the sun reaching
them. They are filled with smoke and ice. Whereas Allah(swt) has injected
life into earth by making the sunrise in
this earth.
Verses (Al-Qur’an 55:5)
and (Al-Qur’an 14:33) are proved by the fact
that man has attained greater distinctions in
Astronomy by his knowledge of the paths and
calculations of the trajectory of the planets
for hundreds of years. So we have sent Satellites
into space to orbit around us. The
benefits are enjoyed in the fields of Communications, Weather Monitoring, Surveillance,
Spying, etc. We have the knowledge of predicting
the exact timing of Solar, Lunar Eclipses.
He has made the
Sun and the Moon for the reckoning
of time. We organize our day to day life
and our worships on the basis of the
position of the Sun. Whereas one cannot deny
the fact that there are always
limitations amongst the nations who calculate
their months as per the revolutions of the
Moon.
The Holy Qur’an
and the Traditions of The Prophet (pbuh) gives
us clear guidance to rectify and correct
these discrepancies. And it is our earnest effort
that the analysis of this subject brings
greater unity amongst the Muslims and greater
understanding of Islam, the way of life chosen
by the Creator of this Universe.
We have taken care to give very simple
and short Scientific explanations only where it
is required. It is our request that your
approach to this analysis be with open heart
and mind.
Now let us begin our analysis by examining the
following verses.
It is He Who made the sun to be
a shining glory and the moon to be a light and measured out stages for her: that you
might know the number of the years, and the reckoning. Allah did not create this but
in truth and righteousness. (Thus) He explains his Signs (proofs, evidences,
verses, revelations) in detail for those who understand.
(Al-Qur’an 10:5)
And the Moon We have measured for
her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part
of date-stalk.
(Al-Qur’an 36:39)
In these verses
Allah(swt) mentions that the moon , which gets illuminated
from the rays of Sun, traverses into different mansions (manazil)
, stages or Phases during its journey of orbiting
around the earth.
And from these mansions, stages or Phases of the Moon
Allah(swt) says you can determine the years and
its reckoning.
So let us first understand
this mansions or phases of the Moon in detail.
As far the sun,
rises in the East and sets in the West routinely.
But the New Moon appears as a crescent immediately
after sunset near the edges of the sky.
Then every night it keeps on growing increasing
in height. One day it emerges as a full moon on
the other Horizon and then continues to
wane decreasing its height every day. Finally it disappears
from the sky for some time. During this period
no one can see the Moon from anywhere on
the Earth.
Of these changes of mansions or stages or
Phases of the Moon we will see the eight
particular stages with the diagram. And we will
understand the first stage that is important to us in
detail.
Figure:
When the sun , moon and the earth comes
in series, one half of the moon
facing the sun is bright with the rays
of the sun directly hitting that half. While
the other half of the moon facing the earth
is totally dark. So we on earth cannot see
the moon. This stage of total black out is called
Conjunction of Moon. But this stage of totality
doesn't last more than a minute or two. Because as per
the astronomical calculations, the rotation of
the Moon is
calculated in the units of Hour and Minute.
So the Moon moves towards its next mansion (manzil) immediately. And
keeps on moving every minute.
Now as the Moon keeps on moving, the other side of the
Moon also starts receiving the rays of the
Sun and gets illuminated. But this illumination
is not strong enough to reach the earth.
Due to many factors
like the weather and angle between the Earth
and Moon it takes some time for the
illumination to reach the Earth. This change
of Mansions or Phases
from the total darkness to the appearance of
the crescent is called Phases of the New
Moon or Mansions of the New Moon. Scientifically, we have the accurate calculations for the Phases
of the Moon for years. No one can have any
doubt about these calculations as these calculations also
prove the verses of the Holy Qur’an which says
the Sun, the Moon and the Earth are orbiting in
the Universe to a fixed calculation. So let us further examine the Holy Qur’an
to find the ways to determine the beginning
of the months from the Phases of the
Moon or Mansions( Manazil) of the Moon.
They ask you of the new moons. Say: they are but signs to mark fixed periods
of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness)
that you enter the houses from the back but Al-Birr (is the quality of the one) who
fears Allah. So enter houses through the proper doors and fear Allah that you may
be successful
(Al-Qur’an 2:189) In the above verse Allah (swt) begins the verse with a question asked by the people
with regard to the New Moon. And then He continues to
answer that question followed by some instructions
in the same verse. Generally the interpreters or the translators of the Holy Qur’an
have explained the continuity of this instructions
to a different context that has no relevance
to the question asked at the beginning of the
verse and also there is no authentic evidences found to justify the interpretation. If we go a little deeper into this verse
we can come to a conclusion that the
instructions , which follow the answer, pertain to the
same subject.
So let us examine each word of this verse
in detail with reference to other verses that are relevant
to our subject from the Holy Qur’an and interpret this verse accordingly. First let us examine and understand the proper meaning
for the Arabic word Ahillah from this verse. In most of the interpretations the word Ahillah
is translated as New Moons, or New crescents as the
Arabic word Ahillah is the plural of Hilal. Technically
the new moon is a single moon , still Allah(swt)
addresses this in plural. So let us examine
this word. In the verses of (Al-Qur’an 10:5) & (Al-Qur’an 36:39), Allah(swt) states that
he has made Manasil ( Mansions , Stages, States, Phases) for
the Moon. And he also states that this Mansions
or Phases of the Moon are made for
calculating the years & its reckoning. The companions of the Prophet (pbuh) always asked
for the interpretations of verses , once it was
revealed. In this case it seems the companions
keep asking the Prophet (pbuh) for interpretations
of the verses (Al-Qur’an 10:5) & (Al-Qur’an 36:39) which
states that Allah(swt) has made the Moon with
the changing Phases (Manasil) for the purpose
of indicating the periods, years & its reckoning. We have already explained the different Stages
or Phases of the Moon with diagrams in
the beginning. Also we understand that the Moon keeps
on changing its positions every moment on
its course of orbiting the earth. Even thou it looks to be still for a person watching the Moon from the earth,
the Moon keeps on changing its position continuously. This continuous
changing of its positions by every minute by the Moon
is addressed in plural by Allah(swt). So instead of interpreting Ahilla as New Moons
or New Crescents the best way should be to interpret
it as New Moon( on its changing Phase)s
or scientifically Phases of the New Moon. Now let us also find proper meaning for
the Arabic word “BUYOOTH” from the same
verseěĄÁ Ź Ź8 or scientifically
Phases( of the Moon ). Now let us translate the verse(Al-Qur’an 2:189) as
follows : They ask you about the New Moon (on its changing Mansion)s. Say: they are but
signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. And
it is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness) that you enter into the Mansions (of the
New Moon) from the back (or from the top) but Al-Birr (is the quality of the one)
who fears Allah. So enter into the Mansions ( of the New Moon ) through the (proper)
entrances, and fear Allah that you may be successful.
(Al-Qur’an 2:189)
The same can be translated in a more scientific way as,
"They ask you about the Phases of the New Moon. Say: they are but signs to mark
fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. And it is not Al-Birr
(piety, righteousness) that you enter into the Phases (of the New Moon)
from the back (or from the top) but Al-Birr (is the quality of the one) who fears
Allah. So enter into the Phases (of the New Moon) through the (proper) entrances,
and fear Allah that you may be successful."
(Al-Qur'an 2:189) The interpretation of this verse is not complete
here. We will further analyze and complete the
interpretation of this verse at the second stage of
this analysis which will deal with the Sunnah
or Traditions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) with
respect to this subject. Now through this single verse (Al-Qur’an 2:189) Allah(swt)
has clearly given us the kind of information,
that what we have to do when we come
across the Phases of the new Moon. The dictate in the above verse is that
you enter into the Phases of the new Moon
through (proper) entrances. Which actually means, begin the
month from proper entry points. So let us refer the Holy Qur’an again for
further information to locate the (proper) entrances
for a month to begin.
The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year) so ordained by Him
the day He created the heavens and the earth;
(Al-Qur’an 9:36)
There are no two opinions about a year
consisting of twelve months. But the number
of days differ when you calculate it
by two different methods. It is 365.25 days
by the rotations of Sun (Solar Calendar) and it
is 354 days when calculated as per
the rotations of the Moon (Lunar Calendar). The first method , which is commonly followed in most part of the world,
consists of months generally with 30, 31 days.
In this method to determine a day, two
places situated at two extremes of
the earth is chosen to represent two positions
of the day. London is chosen as a Mean position (G.M.T. / U.T.)
where Noon 12:00 O’clock of a day passes through.
And an imaginary line is drawn exactly at
180 degrees behind on the Pacific Ocean , that
is 12hours to the east and 12 hours to the
west of London where the Mid-Night 12:00 O’clock passes
through. This imaginary line where the dates get
changed is called International Date Line. As per the Lunar Calendars ,it is not clear
from where the day begins and how it rotates
around the earth. As a Muslim when we
spot a New Moon we begin the month from
that night (from magrib). Again this method is not followed
collectively through out the world .
It is locally followed wherever the Moon
is spotted. The Holy Book of Allah & Holy Prophet of
Allah have clearly indicated that months must
be calculated on the basis of rotations
of the Moon. So let us continue our analysis
by thoroughly verifying the verses of the Holy Qur’an
for information’s about the (proper) entrances
for a month to begin. As the month consists of days and
a Day is a single unit
of a month , we will find out complete details
about one full Day with reference from the Holy
Qur’an which may help to locate the (proper)
entrances for a month to begin.
Till, when he reached the setting place of the sun, he found it setting in black muddy
(or hot) spring water, and found a people thereabout:
(Al-Qur’an 18:86) Till, when he reached the rising place of the sun, he found it rising on a people
for whom We had provided no covering protection against the sun.
(Al-Qur’an 18:90) In the above two verses from the chapter 18,
Allah(swt) discloses two distinct borders fixed by Him. One
as a Sunset Point and the other as
Point where the Sun rises. And He also
gives some clues about those Places where
these two Points exist. Even though it is common for the Sunrise
and Sunset to happen through out the world
on this earth on continuity , Allah(swt) fixes
two distinct edges respectively for these actions.
And He also gives some valuable hints to identify
these places. So let us examine these two places. In the verse (Al-Qur’an 18:86) , Black Muddy Water ( or
Hot Spring water as per some translations)
is given as a clue for locating the
Sunset Point. And also mentioned that there is
a generation living in that place. By examining the above clues , to the best of our
Knowledge we are able to locate Dead Sea as
the Sunset Point . The Dead Sea, the lowest sea in the world
is Unique from other seas by its nature.
It contains 10 times more salt and minerals
than any other seas . So the water appear like
a black mudded homogeneous liquid. Locals as well
as Tourists who visit this sea apply this
black mud on their body as it has
good medicinal properties. Since the density of the
water is very high any object falling on this
sea floats on the surface of the water not getting
drowned. And also there are lots of Hot
Spring Water Wells found on the shores of
this sea. And the first Qibla for the
mankind The Baithul Maqdis (Masjid Al Aqsa) is situated
on the shores of this sea. Even though it is little difficult to locate
the sunrise point from the verse (Al-Qur’an 18:90).
We know the sunset point from verse (Al-Qur’an
18:86). So on that basis we will try to
locate the sunrise point then we compare the
clues given in verse (Al-Qur’an 18:90) with the
located spot. It is obvious that if one part of
the earth is in daylight the other part
will be in the night. So if the sun is setting
at one end of the earth it must be rising
at the opposite end. We can locate these
places in the middle of Pacific Ocean near
the Islands of French Polynesia. Most of the Islands found in the middle
of Pacific are bare costal lands now being transformed
into Sun Bathing Beaches. The climate in these
regions are harsh and extreme. Soil conditions of the
area is so saline that the land is
bare from vegetation and except for the reefs
there are no big mountains or hills found in these Islands which can give some
soothing effect from the heat of the Sun. Also we learn from the history that there were Micronesian
Primitive People poorly sheltered from extreme climates found scattered
around the Islands of Oceanic, dating back
to 4000 years. Now we have located the two ends , which Allah(swt)
has fixed in the earth. One is in the middle
of the biggest Ocean in this earth and the
other is in the middle of the highly populated
vast lands. Between the Sunrise Point to the sunset Point
one will be in different stages of day
light. From the Sunset point to the Sunrise point
one will be in the night. (see the diagram). When one
part of the world is in daylight then
the other portion is in the night.
Figure:
Almighty Allah(swt) has fixed Baithul Maqdis (Masjid
Al Aqsa) as the Sunset Point and the
Islands in the middle of Pacific as Sunrise
point. As Allah(swt) has fixed and clearly indicated
the two distinct positions of a complete Day.
And it is our duty to decide from Where ? and When ?
the Date starts again with the information available
from the Holy Qur’an. Generally we Muslims begin our dates from Sunset
that is from Magrib(Night). But to begin a date from the Sunset Point which
falls in the middle of the vast civilized
land is absurd . So the option of this point as an entrance
is closed. As the Muslims world over practice that the date begins from Night
(Magrib) then we unknowingly follow and accept that the
date begins from the middle of the
Pacific after Sun set. Only then it can
circulate around the world in a proper
order.
As it is the case today that the days coincide with Gregorian Calendar and only the
nights differ. As per the
Gregorian Calendar the night follows the day but as per the majority of Islamic
beliefs and followings the night precedes the day. But Allah(swt) has fixed this end as a
Sunrise Point. And it is not fitting to start
a date at the time of sun set from a
place that is fixed by Allah(swt) as sunrise
Point. And also we don't find any evidences
from the Holy Quran or any announcements from The Prophet
of Allah (Pbuh) to support this logic. So let us examine the Holy Qur’an again
for arriving at a proper location and the
correct timing to begin a date.
By the Night as it envelops.
By the Day as it appears in brightness.
(Al-Qur’an 92:1,2) He is the Cleaver of the Daybreak (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and
tranquility and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): such is the judgment
and ordering of (Him) the Exalted in Power, the All-Knowing.
(Al-Qur’an 6:96)
He it is Who has appointed for you
the night that you may rest therein, and
the day to realize (the cycle of life in this
planet ). Verily, in this are Ayat (proofs, evidences, revelations, etc.) for
people who listen (i.e. those who think deeply).
(Al-Qur’an 10:67)
(Al-Qur’an 27:86) And We have made the Night and the Day as two (of Our) Signs. Then, We have obscured
the Sign of the Night (with darkness) while We have made the Sign
of the day illuminating, that you may seek Bounty from your Lord, and that you
may know the number and count of the years. And We have explained everything (in detail)
with full explanation.
(Al-Qur’an 17:12)
(Al-Qur’an 28:73)
(Al-Qur’an 30:23) Computing is not an art of predictions or observations.
It is purely Science. If it is Science then it has to be authentic. The
above verses ask you to calculate the
dates from the Movements of the Celestial
Bodies. In the above verses Allah(swt) clearly mentions
that the night, which is a Sign of Allah, which
envelopes itself with the darkness, is to rest
in tranquility. And it is the appearance ( or
the illumination) of the daybreak which is
also a Sign of Allah also His Mercy to
the mankind to seek the bounty of Allah
and also to keep the calculations of years
and its reckoning. So it is more appropriate that the date
begins with the roaring brightness of the
rising Sun from the Sunrise Point from Fajr
(Dawn). Then it finishes the day and enter into
the night at Sunset at
Al Aqsa , finally it ends its night and
the date
gets changed at the Islands in the
middle of Pacific. We can find lot of evidences from the
Holy Qur’an and from the Traditions of the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) to substantiate the above
fact. Now let us examine the prayers , which is obligatory
for five times in a complete day.
Guard strictly your (obligatory) prayers especially the middle prayer and stand before
Allah in a devout (frame of mind).
(Al-Qur’an 2:238) Ummul Moomineen Ayesha(ral) narrates in Bukari that While
interpreting this verse, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh)
said the middle prayer mentioned in the
verse is the Asr prayer. If the date begins from Magrib(sunset) then
the sequence of our prayers will be in
the order of Magrib, Isha, Fajr, Zohar and Asr. In this
case Fajr is the middle prayer and Asr
the last prayer. But Messenger of Allah(pbuh)
has clearly indicated that the middle prayer
is Asr. So it is more evident that Messenger
of Allah(pbuh) practiced and calculated the dates
from Fajr(Dawn). So our prayers are in the order
of Fajr , Zohar, Asr (middle prayer), Magrib then Isha
in one complete day.
Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night.
(Al-Qur’an 11:114) And celebrate the praises of thy Lord before the rising of the sun and before (its)
setting. And during part of the night (also).
(Al-Qur’an 20:130)
(Al-Qur’an 50:39,40)
(Al-Qur’an 76:25,26) And regarding our Fasting the Qur’an says :
and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black
thread; then complete your fast till the night appears.
(Al-Qur’an 2:187) We will see some Ahadith in the IInd
Part of this analysis with respect to the
Sighting of New Moon , which also give evidence
to the fact that Prophet(pbuh) started the date
from Dawn(Fajr).
Also we can find authentic Ahadith from Sahi Al that The Holy
Prophet (pbuh) enters into Ittekaf from the Fajr prayer and
comes out of it after the Fajr prayer. As for the rituals of the Hajj is
concerned, we leave for Mina after the Sunrise
on the eighth and stay in Mina on
that day and that night then on the ninth
of Dul-Hajj after Sunrise we leave for Arafa
and stay there that day and after Sunset
we move towards Mujtalifa and on reaching
there we pray our Magrib and Isha prayers
and stay there that night . And Prophet(pbuh) said “if any one reach the
boundaries of Arafa before the dawn of tenth
then he has made it.” This is recorded in Sahi Al Bukhari
. And on the tenth morning after Fajr before Sunrise
we move back to Mina and perform stoning of
the Jamaras , Sacrifices the animals, shave our heads
and finally complete the Sai of Kaba till
the end of that day and come back
to Mina and stay there on 11th, 12th, 13th. So it is amply clear from the Qur’an
and the Traditions of the Prophet(pbuh) that
a date begins from the Dawn(Fajr). It is most appropriate that the date begins
from Dawn (Fajr) from the Sunrise Point in the
middle of the pacific. So this is the proper entrance for a date
to begin. If we compare the findings from the Qur’an
with the existing Internationally followed system
of Gregorian Calendar , we can make the following
differences. As per the Gregorian Calendar the date begins
from the Oceanic from mid-night and passes
through Greenwich (London) at noon 12:00 O’clock (GMT) and
gets changed at Oceanic at mid-night. As per the findings from the Holy Qur’an
the date begins from the Oceanic from Dawn
and finishes the day and enters into night
at Sunset at Baithul Maqdis and gets changed
at Oceanic at Dawn. We have gained the knowledge that how and
from where? a date, which is a single component of a month, begins
and changes. We have already explained about the Mansions
of the new Moon ( Phases of the new Moon)
in detail. That is the starting of its new round from
the zero visibility (point of conjunction) , the Moon moves
on every minute until the crescent is visible
from earth. This stage of movement by the Moon is called the Phases of
the New Moon. Also we have learnt from the Holy Quran from the verses
(Al-Qur’an 18:86),(Al-Qur’an 18:90),(Al-Qur’an 17:12) & (Al-Qur’an 6:96) the
region from where a date begins. So the clear dictate from verse(2:189) is that
on the basis of the authentic information
on the birth of New Moon ( Phases of New Moon)
, one should not enter into the phases
from wherever they are. But enter into the Phases
from the (proper) entrances from where a
date which is a single unit of a month
begins. This is the clear guidelines set by Allah(swt)
to calculate the months, years and its reckoning
from His celestial creations of Sun and Moon. We have already learnt about the region
from where a date begins. And we also know
that this region lies in the middle of
the Pacific Ocean. But in the verse (Al-Qur’an 2:189)
Allah(swt) indicates entrances instead of a single
entry point from this region. So let us further
examine and find the proper entrance from this
region for the date to begin. If we monitor everyday the Sunset at Baithul Maqdis,
we can understand the fact that at the time
of sunset
at Baithul Maqdis the Sun does not rise
at a same fixed point in the Oceanic. This happens
due to the different paths and angles between
the Sun and the Earth. So we also come across
longer nights for some periods and longer daytime for
some periods.
So considering Baithul Maqdis as a point
of Mean Position at Sun Set then we can
come across a stretch of vast regions in
the middle of Pacific where the Sun
rises at the time of Sunset at Baithul
Maqdis. This stretch of the vast entry points between
French Polynesian Islands and the present International Date Line
are indicated as entrances in the verse(Al-Qur’an 2:189). We cannot enter from different entrances at
different point of time. So it is left to
us to choose the best entrance from the
choice of entrances available from this region. But by fixing a single entrance the length and
the duration between the Day and the Night get fixed. And
The Holy Book of Allah gives allowance to
this as it is the only way convenient for the
mankind. In the verse (Al-Qur’an 73:20) Allah(swt) says, But Allah does appoint Night and Day in due measure. He knows that you are unable
to keep count thereof. So He has turned to you (in mercy).
(Al-Qur’an 73:20) So we have to decide the best suitable entrance from
the available options between the French Polynesian Islands
and the present International Date Line. The first entry point the French
Polynesia which is in the region is
closed , as this Islands remain as an exit
point of a day as per the present International
Date Line. The best choice is Kiritimati. Which is also known as
Christmas Islands and situated in the region
called Kiribati in the middle of the Pacific. These Islands are the best option for a
date to begin as these Islands which remained
as end point of the present Date Line have
changed their position since 1995 as if willed by Allah and started to begin the
day as like the regions which fall at
the starting point of the present Date Line.
And also this area is lying exactly 180
Degrees that is 12 hours to the east and
12 hours to the west of Baithul Maqdis which
is indicated by Allah(swt) as a point of Mean Position at
Sunset. So by selecting Kiritimati as the (proper) entrance from the
choice of entrances stretching across the vast region
indicated by The Almighty , the task of computing the
calculations of months become very simple. Now we shall understand the guidelines (formula)
set by Almighty for determining the months
from the Phases of the New Moon with two
examples.
1.) Ramadan (2003) :
2.) Shawwal (2003) : Birth of New Moon (Phases of New Moon) as per scientific
calculations is announced in the format of
Month, Date and Time with reference to Universal
Time ( U.T. / G.M.T.) This calculations are accurate
and available for years.
Ramadhan (2003)
As per scientific calculations the New Moon
for Ramadan(2003) is calculated to start its
new phase on October 25th 12:50 hr.( U.T.). Now
by applying this data to the formula revealed in
verse (Al-Qur’an 2:189), we will see how the month
of Ramadan(2003). begins? As we have to begin from the entrance, first let us find the
local time at Kritimati when the New
Moon of Ramadan(2003) begins its new phase
and enter into its first Mansion (Manzil). The Phases of the New Moon are announced
with reference to the U.T. / G.M.T. So to
find out the local time at Kritimati add
14 hours to the U.T. That Is :
Local Time in Kritimati = U.T.
+ 14 hrs. Now let us find the position at this
entrance when the Phases of the Ramadan
New Moon (2003) enter into its first Mansion(Manzil). Phases of Ramadan
Local time in
New Moon (U.T.)
Kritimati (U.T. + 14) 25th Oct 12:50 hr.
26th Oct 02:50 hr. When the New Moon of Ramadan(2003) enter
into its first Phase the local time at
the entrance for the new date is 26th October
02:50. As per the Qur’an and the sunnah the date begins
from Dawn (Fajr). And as at the time of beginning of
the new phase it is the last few hours of
a full day is left that means if we begin
now then it may happen that we are entering
into the Phases from behind. So we cannot accept
this as a first day of a month. And
we leave this as the last night of the previous month. So Ramadan(2003)
begins from Dawn(Fajr) on 26th October from
the entrance and it continues all over the world.
So the First Day of Ramadan(2003) begins from the Dawn(fajr)
on 26th October all over the World. From the above figure we can make out
that at the time of conjunction (birth of
New Moon) the places between the Sunrise Point
and Date Line (3 to 1) are entering in to a new
Date. Rest of the places are in different
stages of the day ahead of (3 to1). And if we begin
a month at this stage from (3) then it
is like catching the tail. The verse (Al-Qur’an 2:189) dictates us to enter in
to the month from the entrance. It means
enter in to a month from a fresh Date.
So it is ideal only when the Date Line comes
to the Sunrise Point after the Conjunction, the new
month begins. From the above figure it is clear that
at the time of Conjunction there are two
days Friday and Saturday are in operation
as per the Islamic rule ( Dawn to Dawn). So we
should begin the month on Sunday. And 26th October 03 (Sunday) is first day of Ramadan
for all of us in this World.
Shawwal (2003):
As per scientific calculations the New Moon
for Shawwaal(2003) is calculated to start its
new phase on November 23rd 22:59 hr.(U.T.). Now
by applying this data to the formula revealed in
verse(Al-Qur’an 2:189), we will see how the month
of Shawwaal(2003) begins. As we have to begin from the entrance, first let us find the
local time at Kritimati when the New
Moon of Shawwaal(2003) begins its new phase
and enter into its first Mansion (Manzil). Phases of Shawwaal
Local time in
New Moon (U.T.)
Kritimati (U.T. + 14) 23rd Nov. 22:59 hr.
24th Nov. 12:59 hr. When the New Moon of Shawwaal(2003) enters
into its first Phase the local time at
the entrance for the new date is 24th November
12:59 hr. As per the Qur’an and the sunnah the date begins from
Dawn (Fajr). And at the time of new phase a day
has already started and it is afternoon
at the entrance that means if we begin now then
it may happen that we are entering into
the Phases from middle. So we cannot accept this
as the first day of the month. And we leave this
as the last day of previous month. So Shawwaal(2003) begins from
Fajr on 25th November from the entrance.
And it continues all over the world. So the Eid-Al-Fitr that
is First Day of Shawwaal(2003) begins from the Dawn(fajr)
on 25th November through out the world. From the above figure we can make out
that at the time of conjunction (birth of
New Moon) the places passing through the Sunrise
Point (2) are entering in to a new Date. Rest
of the places are in different stages of
the day ahead and behind of (2). And if we begin
a month at this stage from (2) then it
is like jumping in from the top. The verse (Al-Qur’an 2:189) dictates us to enter in
to the month from the entrance. It means
enter in to a month from a fresh Date.
So it is ideal only when the Date Line comes
to the Sunrise Point after the Conjunction, the new
month begins. From the above figure it is clear that
at the time of Conjunction there are two
days Sunday and Monday are in operation
as per the Islamic rule ( Dawn to Dawn). So we
should begin the month on Tuesday. And 25th November 03 (Tuesday) is first day of Shawwal
that is Eid ul Fitr for all of us in
this World. All the authenticated data regarding Phases of
the Moon, Local Time, Sunrise, and Sunset for hundreds of years are
available easily and freely from many state
run Institutions, Research Organizations and from innumerable
web sights on Internet. It is simply available
on your desktop. So The Universal Islamic Calendar
can be made with accuracy without any confusion
for years in advance. If any one has the slightest doubt about the accuracy
of the Phases of the Moon its Conjunction and
the planetary movements , then Almighty Allah(swt) removes that doubts
by the great event which takes place at least twice a year for the
mankind to watch himself from the corners of the Earth . The great event of Solar Eclipse which takes place with accuracy at the time
of conjunction ( birth of New Moon) is the live demonstration for the man
to watch himself and acknowledge the claims of The Almighty Allah(swt)
. Again this year the World will witness this
great event on 23rd November 2003 (22:46 U.T.). It
is going to be a Total Solar Eclipse on
that day. People from New Zealand, most of Australia,
Southern Argentina and Chile will see the spectacular
event of Birth of New Moon of Shawwaal(2003)
live from their places of living. Others will
also have an opportunity to watch the Movements
of Cosmic Systems which is a live Demonstration
of the Super Powers of the Creator of
the Universe through other channels of communications
like live telecast and through Internet. Part II : By the grace of Almighty Allah(swt) we have
learnt to determine and display the Universal Islamic
Calendar as per the directions of the Holy
Qur’an. Now let us have a comparison and verification
of this analysis with respect to the teachings
of the Holy Prophet of Allah (pbuh) with
regards to this subject.
Div. I : The Prophet said, "We are an illiterate nation; we neither write, nor know accounts.
The month is like this and this, i.e. sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty
days." Narrated by : Ibn Umar (rali)
Books : Bukhari, Muslim , Ahmad.
Div. II :
The Prophet (holding out his ten fingers thrice), said, "The month is thus and thus
and thus," namely thirty days. Then (holding out his ten fingers twice and then nine
fingers), he said, "It may be thus and thus and thus," namely twenty nine days. He
meant once thirty days and once twenty nine days.
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.222
Narrated by Ibn Umar Allah's Apostle said, "The month (can be) 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not fast till
you see the moon, and if the sky is overcast, then complete Sha'ban as thirty days."
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.131
Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar
Observe fast when you see it (the new moon) and break fast when you see it (the new
moon of Shawwal), but when (the actual position of the month is) concealed
from you (on account of cloudy sky), then count thirty days.
Sahih Muslim Hadith 2381
Narrated by AbuHurayrah I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan),
start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see it) then regard the month
of Ramadan as of 30 days." Narrated by : Ibn Umar (ral), Abu Huraira(ral);
Books : Bukhari, Muslim.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Do not fast (for Ramadan) before the coming
of the month until you sight the moon or complete the number (of thirty days); then
fast until you sight the moon or complete the number (of thirty days).
Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2319
Narrated by
Hudhayfah
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon)
and break it on sighting it. But if (due to clouds) the actual position of the month
is concealed from you, you should then count thirty (days).
Sahih Muslim Hadith 2380
Narrated by AbuHurayrah
Div. III
A villager came to Prophet(pbuh) and said he
saw the Moon that night. Then Allah’s Apostle(pbuh)
asked him, will he pledge “ None to be worshiped
except Allah and Mohammed is his Messenger”. The
man said “yes”. Immediately Bilal(ral) was called and
told to make announcement to the people
to observe fast tomorrow. Narrated by : Ibn Abbass(ral)
Book
: Thirmidhi Some differences gathered amongst the people about
the last day of Ramadhan. Then two villagers
came , pledged to the Prophet(pbuh) and said they
saw the new moon yesterday evening. Immediately the
prophet(pbuh) ordered the people to break the
fasting and reach the place of Eid Prayer
in the morning.
Narrated by : Ribbiu bin Hirash
Books : Abu
Dawoodh, Ahmed We were in the state of fasting during
the day as the new moon of Shawwal was
not sighted. At the end of that day in
the evening few people came riding to prophet(pbuh)
and pledged that they sighted the new moon
yesterday . Then Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) ordered the
people to break the fasting and go to
the place of Eid Prayer once it becomes morning. Narrated by : Umair ibn Anss
Books: AbuDawood, Baihaki,
Ahmed. Kurayb said: Umm Fadl, daughter of Harith, sent him (Fadl, i.e. her son) to Mu'awiyah
in Syria. I (Fadl) arrived in Syria, and did the needful for her. It was there in
Syria that the month of Ramadan commenced. I saw the new moon (of Ramadan) on Friday.
I then came back to Medina at the end of the month. Abdullah ibn Abbas asked
me (about the new moon of Ramadan) and said: When did you see it? I said: We
saw it on Friday night. He said: (Did) you see it yourself? I said: Yes,
and the people also saw it so they observed fast and Mu'awiyah also observed fast.
Thereupon he said: But we saw it on Saturday night. So we shall continue to observe
the fast until we complete thirty (fasts) or we see it (the new moon of Shawwal).
I said: Is the sighting of the moon by Mu'awiyah not valid for you? He said:
No; this is how the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has commanded us. Sahih Muslim Hadith 2391
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas I went to see Ayesha(ral) on the Arafa
Day. She said, “ Give him wheat milk and
add sugar to it.” I told her that I
did not fast on this (Arafa) day since I fear
today is the Eid Day (in Mecca). On that Ayesha(ral)
clarified, “It is Eid-ul-Adha only when people
decide it and it is Eid-ul-Fitr only when
people decide it.
Narrated by : Masrook
Book : Baihaki.
Div. IV:
We started for Umra and stayed at Badn Nakla
for a little while. Then we tried and sighted
the Moon. Some said it is the Moon of third
night and some said it is the Moon
of second night. Then we met Ibn Abbas(ral)
and told him about this. He asked us,
“on which night we saw the Moon”. We replied,
“ on this particular night.” Then Ibn Abbas(ral)
said, “ Prophet(pbuh) has explained that Allah(swt)
has lengthened the Moon for people to
Sight it. So the Moon belongs to that
night on which you sight it.” Narrated By : Abul Bakhtari
Book
: Muslim. Prophet (pbuh) said, “ One should not begin the
Fasting in advance of one or two days
to the month( of Ramadhan), unless it happens
to be the regular days of (other)Fasting.” Narrated by : Abu Huraira(ral)
Book : Muslim. Prophet (pbuh) Said, “ Those who fast on the doubtful
day ( of Sahban 30), have done wrong to
me.” Narrated by : Ammar(ral)
Book : Haakim.
Prophet (pbuh) Said, “ Those who are not in a
position to decide before Dawn, then it is
not the day of fasting for them.” Narrated by : Hafsa(ral)
Book : Nasayi Prophet(pbuh) forbad fasting on the two Eid-Days
of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Narrated by : Abu Huraira(ral), Ayesha(ral), Abu a’id(ral) Book
: Muslim.
Div. V: Prophet(pbuh) said, “ It is the day of fasting
when you decide it. It is the day of
Eid-ul-Fitr when you decide it. And it is
the day of Eid-ul-Adha when you decide it.” Narrated by : Abu Huraira(ral)
Book : Thirmidi We have divided the Traditions of the Prophet(pbuh)
into five divisions. Now we will examine these
Ahadith and compare it with the findings
from the first part of this Analysis. The Prophet (pbuh) said, "We are an illiterate nation; we neither write, nor know
accounts. The month is like this and this, i.e. sometimes of 29 days and sometimes
of 30 days." Narrated by : Ibn Umar (rali)
Books : Sahi Al-Bukhari, Muslim , Ahmad. In this Hadith, the Prophet(pbuh) openly accepts
the inability of the generation. As He says,
“we are illiterate nation having no Knowledge
of writing and Computing”. So it is important
to understand why the Prophet(pbuh) made this
announcement. One can easily understand this announcement as
an explanation to the verse(Al-Qur’an 2:189) in
which Allah(swt) gives the clear guidelines to
determine the months and announce the dates
of pilgrimage(Hajj) from the Phases of the
Moon. This is really a very tough task for
that and the subsequent generations. So the Prophet(pbuh) teaches the Simplest and
the Easiest ways which no one could have
imparted with such a Perfection. This method is
serialized in Section II and III. Prophet(pbuh) spoke about Ramadhan. Then he clapped
his hands and holding ten fingers said, “thus;
thus; thus.” On the third occasion he folded the index
finger. “ So begin fasting when you see the
Moon ! Stop fasting when you see the Moon ! If
the Moon is concealed then count the month
as thirty !” the Prophet(pbuh) said.
Narrated by : Ibn Umar(ral)
Book : Muslim. In the third division examine the first
three Ahadith . In the first one Prophet(pbuh)
receives the message of sighting the Moon on the
29th night and declare to observe fasting
from Dawn. In the second one Prophet(pbuh) receives the
message of sighting at the beginning of
30th day. So he announces to break the fasting
and go to the place of Eid prayer
in the morning(after Sunrise). In the third one Prophet(pbuh) receives the
message of sighting at the end of the
evening of the 30th day and ask the
people to break the fasting and go to
the place of Eid Prayer next day morning. As per the above three Ahadith Prophet(pbuh)
accepts the message of sighting the Moon
up to the late evening of the 30th day.
Here he has never questioned the distance
or the mode of communication. He only confirms
the authenticity of the message by taking
the oath of allegiance of the person bringing
the message. And see the last two Ahadith from
the Div.III. Here the Companions of
Prophet(pbuh) decline to accept the message of
sighting which reaches them after completing the
previous month as a month of 30 days. And they say, “this is as per the teachings
of the Prophet(pbuh).” Pointing to the Ahadith in
the Div.II. they emphasis that there is no
need of altering the existing month once
the previous month is completed as a month
of 30 days. It is highly regrettable that people consider
these two Ahadith for non-acceptance of the sighting
of Moon from distant regions.
So from the Ahadith seen in Div.III.,
once we receive the message of Actual Sighting
of the New Moon within the stipulated period
then we must accept the message immediately
irrespective of the Distance and mode of
Communication. The Ahadith taken in Div.IV are very strict
code of conducts. Here you are insisted to
keep track of the Moon every month. If the
Moon is not sighted on 29th then you
must complete the month as 30 days. See the Hadith in Div.V, which proves the
following verse,
and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion;
(Al-Qur’an 22:78) Here Prophet(pbuh) leaves the decision making
to the People subject to conditions
seen in Div.IV is strictly followed. So People
have to decide the easiest way themselves
as the situation demands as per the methods
taught from the Ahadith taken in Div. II
and III. Generally Muslims around the World wake up
to sight the Moon only when the month
of Ramadhan approaches. No One would ever have heard of
declaring Ramadhan as Sahban has been completed
as 30 days by keeping the track of Moon
by actual sighting through out the year. Countries like Saudi Arabia and others who
follow Moon Calendar for their day to day
working follow Calculations of the Phases of Moon
in some form. When the occasion of World
Importance arises, like the one this year
that is Ramadhan (2003) they become cautious. Even though the month of Sahban was of
29 days as per Saudi Calendars, they took
the precaution and didn’t declare the next day
as Ramadhan siting reasons from the Ahadith (refer
the Hadith from Ammar(ral) in Div.IV) as it was obvious
that it is impossible to sight the Moon
on that night even though the New Moon
was born technically. The reasons for confusion amongst the Muslims
are due to wrong interpretations and improper
following of the teachings of Prophet(pbuh). It takes about a minimum of 15 to 20 hrs.
and a maximum of 2 days for a New
Moon to be visible. So every month one should
make some effort to sight the Moon on
the 29th night. If authentic message | |
