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

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is Zakah (obligatory charity) due on the Zakah money received by a poor person, and reached a Nissab (minimum amount liable for Zakah), and a whole lunar year had lapsed over having it in his possession?

Yes, the poor who possessed a Nissab for a whole lunar year is obliged to pay the Zakah due on that money even if it was given to him as a Zakah money in the first place. And Allah Knows Best.

Which holds greater virtue: The Udhiyah (Sacrificial Offering) or giving its value in Charity (Sadaqah)?

In the Name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
Offering an Udhiyah (sacrificial offering) holds greater virtue than donating its monetary value to the poor and needy. This is because the sacrifice is a prominent, manifest ritual among the sacred symbols of Islam. Allah Almighty says: "That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts." (Al-Hajj: 32)
 
Furthermore, there are numerous authentic and explicit Hadiths highlighting its immense reward. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) consistently offered this sacrifice, as did the Righteous Caliphs after him. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.
 

What is the ruling on Friday Ghusl (ritual bath)?

Friday Ghusl is a confirmed Sunna (Prophetic tradition) even if a person wasn`t in a state of Janbah (ritual impurity), or physically unclean. However, one who doesn`t make Ghusl on Friday isn`t sinful for the Prophet (PBUH) said: "It is good for a Muslim to make ablution for Friday prayer, but it is better to make Ghusul. [At-Tirmithi & Abu Dawood].

Is fidyah required for someone who breaks their fast due to a valid excuse?

● If the excuse is permanent, such as a chronic illness with no hope of recovery or old age, then fidyah is required. This means feeding one needy person for each missed fasting day.
● However, if the excuse is temporary, such as menstruation, postnatal bleeding, or a temporary illness, then only making up the missed fasts (qada) is required, and fidyah does not apply.