CIC Moon-Sighting Policy
A Hybrid: Astronomical Validity + Global Sighting
Our decision to declare Ramadan or Eid will be based on BOTH of the following conditions:
- Astronomical Possibility (Science Check)
– The moon must be born (conjunction must have occurred)
AND
– The moon must be scientifically possible to sight somewhere on Earth (visibility curve).
If astronomy shows the moon cannot be seen anywhere in the world, then we do NOT accept any sighting report, even if someone claims they saw it.
This protects us from:
– False reports
– Human error
– Politically motivated announcements
– Situations where the moon is “seen” before it physically exists - Actual Sighting Anywhere in the World
Once astronomy confirms the moon is born and sightable, we accept a verified sighting from anywhere in the world, provided:
– The sighting is from a reliable Muslim authority
– The report is verified
– The sighting is not contradicted by science
This follows the classical fiqh principle of global sighting (ittihād al‑maṭāliʿ), which is accepted by many scholars.
Special Cases
Case A: Someone claims the moon was seen, but science says the moon was NOT born (or impossible to see)
We do NOT accept the sighting. We do NOT start fasting.
This is exactly what happened in 14 February 2014, when some countries announced a sighting even though:
– The moon had NOT been born
– Visibility was scientifically impossible
Our rule prevents this mistake.
Case B: Science says the moon IS born and visible, but no one sees it anywhere We may consider completing 30 days
OR We may consider a global sighting if a reliable region reports late
This follows the hadith:
> “If you do not see it, complete 30 days.”
Our policy allows flexibility while staying within fiqh.
Why This Hybrid Method Is Strong
It combines:
- Classical fiqh requirement:
– Actual sighting
– Or completing 30 days - Modern scientific verification:
– Prevents impossible or false sightings
– Ensures accuracy
– Avoids confusion and division - Global unity:
– Accepting global sighting avoids unnecessary delays
– Keeps CIC aligned with the broader Muslim world
Our Policy in One Sentence
“We will only declare Ramadan or Eid when the moon is scientifically born AND a reliable sighting is confirmed anywhere in the world.”