Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(28): “Confirmation of Sighting the Crescents of Ramadan and Shawaal “

Date Added : 28-10-2015

 

Resolution No.(28): “Confirmation of Sighting the Crescents of Ramadaan and Shawaal“

Date: 12/11/1413 AH corresponding to 4/2/1993.

 

The Board has reviewed the issue of confirming the sighting of the crescent in general and the crescents of Ramadan and Shawaal in particular, so it decided what follows:

The new lunar month commences upon confirming the sighting of the crescent in the western horizon after sunset of the twenty-ninth of the same lunar month. If it hadn`t appeared that night, then the month of Ramadan becomes thirty days.

The testimony of a trustworthy person who testifies that he saw the new moon in the manner indicated above is accepted if the astronomical calculations confirmed that the new moon was born.

However, if these calculations proved otherwise, then his testimony isn`t accepted because there is doubt in that regard.

Moreover, if the sighting of the new moon was confirmed in any of the Islamic states in accordance the aforementioned manner, then it must be relied on, even if the new moon wasn`t seen in the rest of the Islamic states. And Allah Knows Best.

 

Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Chief Justice Dr.Nooh Al-Qodaat
Acting Mufti General, Sheikh Saeid Hijjawi
Mufti of Jordanian Armed Forces, Mahmood Shwayaat
Dr. Abdassalam Al-Abbadi
Dr. Ahmad Hilayel
Sheikh Ratib Az-zahir
Dr. Mahmood As-sartawi
Ibrahim Khash-shaan

Decision Number [ Previous | Next ]


Summarized Fatawaa

How to pay Zakah (obligatory charity) due on articles of merchandise?

Articles of merchandise are estimated by their whole sale market price at the end of each lunar year, and (2.5%) of their value is paid as Zakah whether it (value) went up, or down compared to actual purchasing price, and whether the increase (profit) was in the article itself such as an increase in the animal`s weight, or in the prices themselves. And Allah Knows Best.

What are the conditions that must be met for the 'aqīqah to be valid?

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
The 'aqīqah is like the recommended uḍḥiyyah in terms of the type of animal, its age, and its required characteristics — since it is a recommended slaughter and therefore resembles the uḍḥiyyah in its rulings.
It is agreed upon without any difference of opinion that the 'aqīqah is not valid with any animal other than livestock (al-na'am — camels, cattle, and sheep). Likewise, an animal with a disqualifying defect — such as obvious illness, lameness, or blindness in one eye — does not suffice, as has previously been explained in the rulings of the uḍḥiyyah. And Allah Almighty knows best.

What does (Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward) mean?

This phrase is part of a hadith in which the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah, their past sins will be forgiven." [Agreed upon]
The meaning is:
● They fast Ramadan with firm belief that Allah has made it obligatory.
● They fast out of obedience to Allah, knowing they will meet Him.
● They hope for reward from Allah and fast purely out of their faith while seeking His reward.

Is it permissible to participate in an Udhiyah?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
Regarding the sacrificial offering (Udhiyah), if it is a sheep or a goat, it only avails for one person. However, if it is a cow or a camel, it avails for seven people. It is permissible for the seven participants to have different intentions; for example, some may intend the sacrifice (Udhiyah), some the ’Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn), and others may simply intend to obtain meat.
 
It is stated in Hashiyat Qalyubi ‘ala Sharh al-Mahalli (Vol.4/P.256) and in Bushra al-Karim (p. 706):
 
"If one slaughters a camel or a cow on behalf of seven... it is permissible. Likewise, it is permissible if some of them intend their seventh for meat, and others intend their seventh for ’Aqiqah." And Allah the Almighty knows best.