Questions and Answers
What is the main problem identified in the text regarding the beginning of Ramadan in the West?
What traditional method is used to confirm the start of the month of fasting?
Which group has recently started using accurate astronomical reports to determine the beginning and end of Ramadan?
What does 'Seyam' refer to in the context of fasting during Ramadan?
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Which type of fasting is done during the whole month of Ramadan once a year?
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What is one reason why many contemporary scholars have started accepting accurate astronomical information for determining important Islamic dates?
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What is a common challenge faced by the Muslim community every year with the beginning of Ramadan?
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Why is there a debate on whether Ramadan should begin with the sighting of the moon locally?
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Why is it mentioned that Sauid Arabia's start of Ramadan is a consideration for some?
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What role do astronomical calculations play in determining the start of Ramadan?
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Why is choosing the beginning of Ramadan in Pakistan mentioned in the text?
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What does the text imply about relying solely on astronomical calculations for starting Ramadan?
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Study Notes
The Arrival of Ramadan
- The start of Ramadan is a challenge for the Muslim community in the West due to the lack of a unified Islamic authority.
- In Muslim countries, officials Muftis or councils have the power to guide the community to follow one authority.
Sighting the Moon
- The month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon by sunset on the 29th day of the lunar month of Sha'ban.
- If the crescent moon is not seen, Muslims wait until the 30 days of Sha'ban are completed and then start fasting on the first day of Ramadan.
- The report of one pious person is accepted to decide the beginning of Ramadan, and witnesses can be male or female.
Astronomical Calculations
- Astronomical calculations can provide precise details about the beginning and end of solar and lunar months.
- Some contemporary scholars accept accurate astronomical information to determine the beginning and end of Ramadan and other Islamic lunar months.
- The Fiqh Council and the Islamic Society of North America have decided to declare the beginning and end of Ramadan based on accurate astronomical reports.
Fasting (Seyam)
- Fasting is the abstaining from food, drinks, and marital relations from dawn until sunset, with the intention of doing so for the sake of Allah (SWT).
- Fasting can be broken down into five categories:
- Fard (Obligatory): fasting during the whole month of Ramadan, once a year.
- Wajib: fasting to fulfill a vow to a specific day or date for the sake of Allah upon the fulfillment of someone's wish or desire.
- Makeup for a day or more missed fasting in Ramadan.
- Fasting as a kaffarah, or expiation, to expiate a religious mistake.
- Sunnah: fasting that is not obligatory but is considered a good deed.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the start of Ramadan and the significance of sighting the moon. Explore different perspectives on when Ramadan should begin and the use of calculations by observatories. Reflect on the question of relying on local sightings versus following other countries' start dates.
