Frequently Asked Questions

The Sunnah established that the beginning of the month is tied to Certainty (Yaqeen). Visual sighting was the means to achieve that certainty in an unlettered era. This methodology does not cancel the concept of "sighting"; rather, it uses precise knowledge to verify if sighting is scientifically possible. It moves us from "conjecture" to "certainty," which is the ultimate goal of the Sunnah.

This is a critical distinction. We do not rely on the mere astronomical birth (conjunction) of the moon. We rely on Imkan al-Ru'yah (Possibility of Sighting).

For the month to begin, the moon must not only be born but must also meet specific visibility conditions (Height and Elongation) that make it sightable. Birth alone is insufficient; possibility is required.

This is not a rejection of the past, but an improvement for it. We are adopting this recognised juristic opinion to resolve:

• New Zealand's frequent cloud cover and geographical isolation.
• The recurring hesitation and late-night uncertainty.
• The avoidable strain on families, schools, and employees who need to plan ahead.
• The need to connect New Zealand Muslims with the millions of Muslims across the world.

Your fasting is valid and accepted by Allah, inshaAllah, because it is based on a recognised juristic methodology adopted by major scholars and councils globally.

This issue is one of legitimate Ijtihad. Both methodologies are rooted in Islamic scholarship. It is not permissible to invalidate another Muslim's fasting over a recognised juristic difference.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fast when you see it... and if it is obscured from you, then estimate it (Faqduru lahu)." (Sahih Muslim).

While the majority interpreted "estimate" as "complete 30 days," a group of major scholars (like Ibn Surayj, Mutarrif ibn Abdullah, and others) interpreted "Faqduru lahu" as "Calculate it based on its phases."

Furthermore, in the Hadith of the Dajjal, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded us to "Calculate" time when physical signs (like the sun) are different from the norm. This proves that calculation is a valid Sharia tool when needed.

Sheikh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah spoke in a context where astronomy was intermixed with Astrology (magic/myth) and was speculative.

Modern astronomy is a precise science, distinct from astrology. The "consensus" against calculation was based on the uncertainty of the science at that time. Now that the science is Certain (Qat'i), the ruling changes to reflect that certainty.

It is a revival of a heritage supported by:

• Early Salaf: Mutarrif ibn Abdullah (Tabi'i), Ibn Surayj (Shafi'i), Ibn Qutaybah.
• Classical Jurists: Imam Al-Subki, and Imam Ibn Daqeeq Al-Eid.
• Modern Scholars: Ahmad Shakir, Mustafa al-Zarqa, Muhammad Bekhit Al-Mote'y, Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
• Global Councils: The European Council for Fatwa and Research, The Fiqh Council of North America.
• Islamic International Conferences: International Congress of the Hijri Calendar (Istanbul 1978 and 2016).

Moreover, what further reassures us regarding the soundness of this fatwa is that, ultimately, it places us largely in agreement with the position of the four Imams — Abu Hanifa, Malik ibn Anas, Al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal (may Allah have mercy on them all) — who held that if the crescent moon is sighted in any Muslim land, fasting becomes obligatory upon those who receive reliable news of that sighting.

These are not arbitrary numbers. They are scientific thresholds accepted by astronomers:

These criteria ensure we are not just following "numbers," but physical reality.

Because New Zealand shares a "Shared Night" with these countries in summer and winter. This follows the principle of not considering differences in moonrise horizons, allowing regions that share the same night to follow a single determination. By aligning with our neighbors, we reduce New Zealand's isolation and ensure we are fasting with millions of our brothers and sisters in our immediate region.

Division is not caused by valid scholarly difference. Division is caused by behavior.

If we maintain Adab (etiquette) and respect, we can have different methods but united hearts.

Do not argue, mock, or pressure them. We advise you to follow the local Masjid where you pray to preserve community order, but never let a date on the calendar sever the ties of kinship.

It is impermissible to boycott, insult, or question the intention of Muslims over a matter of valid Fiqh. We are all seeking the pleasure of Allah.

This Fatwa is a scholarly guidance for those seeking certainty. It does not attack any other organization. Muslims remain free to follow the opinion that gives their heart peace.

If each group follows a recognised scholarly opinion, neither is sinful. The sin would be in turning a valid disagreement into hostility and hatred.

While we strive for uniformity in dates, the preservation of brotherhood is obligatory. We strive for both — to start our fast with millions of Muslims and be united with them all.