In the Name of Allāh,

the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our master Muḥammad, the last of prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Resolution No. 18 (6/3) Unification of the Beginning of Lunar Months

The Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, holding its 3rd session in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on 8–13 Ṣafar 1407h (11–16 October 1986),

Having reviewed the two issues mentioned below concerning the Unification of the Beginning of Lunar Months:

1. The extent of the effect of differences in horizons on the unification of the beginning of lunar months.
2. Shariah ruling on the determination of the first day of a lunar month using astronomical calculations.

Having listened to the discussions of the Academy’s members and the ex- perts on the subject,

Resolves

First: If the sighting of the lunar crescent is established in one country, all Muslims in that country must abide by it. The difference in horizons is not rele- vant because of the generality of the religious command to start and end fasting. Second: It is mandatory to use the sighting; however, one may get assistance from astronomical calculations and observatories with due consideration of the

ahadith of the Prophet SAW and scientific facts.

Indeed, Allāh is All-Knowing.