Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(326): "Sighting the Crescent of Ramadan, 1446 AH"

Date Added : 03-03-2025

Resolution No.(326) (1/2025) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:
"Sighting the Crescent of Ramadan, 1446 AH"
Date: (29/ Sha`ban/1446 AH), corresponding to (28/2/2025 AD).

 
 
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
At its second meeting held on the above date, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed sighting the crescent of Ramadan for this year (1446 AH) based on the astronomical calculations conducted by the Crescents Committee of the General Iftaa` Department.
After deliberations, the Board arrived at the following decision:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Allah, The Almighty, Says (What means): "Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting" [Al-Baqarah/185]. Allah also Says (What means): "They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage" [Al-Baqarah/189]. Moreover, the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) says: "Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break it on sighting it." [Al-Bukhari].
In compliance with the texts of Sharia, the Iftaa` Board convened on Sunday evening (29th of Sha`ban, 1446 AH, corresponding to 28/2/2025) to sight the crescent of Ramadan (the new moon). Based on the findings of the Crescent Sighting Committee, which were harmonious with the astronomical calculations, at the General Iftaa` Department and other specialized authorities, it was ascertained to the Board that tomorrow, Saturday, (1/3/2025) is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for this blessed year, 1446 AH.                                                                                                                                                              On this blessed occasion, the Board extends the warmest of congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah the Second Ibn Al-Hussein, His Crown Prince, and the Hashemite Family, praying that Allah Protects His Majesty and Grants him good health.
The Board also extends its congratulations to the people of Jordan as well as the Arab and Muslim Nation. It also prays that Allah makes it a month of peace, security, faith, goodness and piety. And may Allah Accept our fast and night prayers. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.
 

Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,
Grand Mufti of Jordan,
Dr. Ahmad Al-Hasanat
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member
Prof. Mahmood Al-Sartawi/ Member
Dr. Zaid Al-Kilani/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Hasan Shakhatreh/ Member
Judge Fares Foraihat/ Member
Prof. Adam Nooh Al-Qhodat/ Member
Dr. Amjad Rasheed/ Member
Prof. Waleed Al-Shaweesh/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Zou`bi/ Member

Decision Number [ Previous | Next ]


Summarized Fatawaa

 
What is the ruling on someone who eats or drinks while uncertain about the arrival of dawn, then later finds out that dawn had not yet broken?

If a person does this, their fast remains valid, as it is confirmed that they ate during the night. Similarly, if someone eats while uncertain and remains unsure whether they ate before or after dawn, their fast is still valid. This is based on the maxim of Sharia Law, which states: "Certainty is not removed by doubt." Certainty, here, is the presence of night, and the doubt concerns the arrival of dawn. Therefore, one relies on certainty and disregards doubt.

What should one do if they see someone deliberately eating or drinking openly during Ramadan?

They must enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. If they fear harm from that person, they should disapprove of it in their heart but avoid sitting with them if possible. It is also preferable to seek the help of the authorities to prevent them from doing so.

Is it permissible to give Zakah (obligatory charity) to one`s poor sister, or brother?

It is permissible for one to give the Zakah to his poor sister, or brother if providing for them isn`t due on him, and the sister doesn`t receive sufficient provision from whomever that is due on. And Allah Knows Best.

Is Zakah (obligatory charity) obligatory on indebted merchant?

Debt doesn`t abrogate the dueness of Zakah, thus a debtor who has money, articles of merchandise, or other Zakah funds at his disposal should pay their Zakah.