Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Resolution No.(238): "Sighting the Crescent of Ramadan,1438 AH"

Date Added : 29-05-2017

 

Resolution No.(238) (6/2017)

"Sighting the Crescent of Ramadan, 1438 AH"

Date: (29/ Sha`ban/1438 AH), (26/5/2017).    

 

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may his peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

On its sixths session held on the above date, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic studies reviewed sighting the crescent of Ramadan for this year/1438 on basis of the astronomical calculations conducted by the crescents committee of the General Iftaa` Department. 

After deliberations, the Board decided the following:

In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious,  Most Merciful

Allah, The Almighty, Said (What means): "Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting"{Al-Baqarah/185}. Allah also Said (What means): "They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage." {Al-Baqarah/189}. Moreover, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break it on sighting it." {Related by Bukhari}.

In compliance with Sharia texts, the Iftaa` Board convened on Friday evening (29th of Sha`baan, 1438 AH, corresponding to 26,5,2017) to sight the crescent of Ramadan, accompanied by the Chief Justice, the Minister of Awqaf, a number of eminent scholars, and experts of astronomy.

Based on the results arrived at by the crescent sighting committee of the General Iftaa` Department and the concerned authorities, and which were harmonious with the astronomical calculations, it was ascertained by the Iftaa` Board that tomorrow, Saturday, is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1438 AH, corresponding to 26,5,2017AD.

Accordingly, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies is privileged to extend the warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah the second Ibn Al-Hussein, His crown Prince, and the Hashemite Family on this blessed occasion. May Allah protect His Majesty and grant Him good health.

The Board also extends its congratulations to the people of Jordan as well as the Arab and Muslim Nations. It prays that Allah makes it a month of peace, security, faith, goodness and piety. And may Allah accept our fasting and night prayers. And Allah Knows Best.

 

Chairman of Iftaa` Board,
Grand Mufti of Jordan,
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh
Vice Head of teh Iftaa' Head /Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh

Prof. Abdullah Al-Fawaaz/ Member

Mohammad Khair Al-Issa/ Member

Dr. Wa'el Arabiat/ Member

Dr. Majid Darawsheh/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi/ Member
Judge Khalid Woraikat/ Member

Dr. Ahmad Al-Hasanat/ Member

Dr. Mohammad Al-Zobi/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Zou`bi/ Member

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Summarized Fatawaa

Is it valid to have Suhoor before sleeping, even if it is before midnight?

Suhoor refers to the pre-dawn meal eaten after midnight to help a Muslim endure fasting. The closer it is to Fajr, the better.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "My Ummah will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast and delay Suhoor." [Narrated by Ahmad]
This is because delaying Suhoor makes it more effective in providing strength for worship. However, if there is a risk of Fajr entering while eating, one should refrain from Suhoor out of caution. 
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt." [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi]

Which hour coincides with the last third of the night?

This hour could be figured out by calculating the number of night hours which start at sunset, and end at dawn break, then the total is divided on three to get the result.

If someone starts the day sick or traveling while fasting, is it permissible for them to break their fast?

● A sick person who finds fasting difficult is allowed to break their fast, whether they began the day fasting or not.
● As for a traveler:
○ If they were still at home at dawn and then traveled after Fajr (dawn), they must continue fasting unless they experience extreme hardship, in which case they may break their fast.
○ However, if they were already traveling when dawn broke—meaning they had left their town before Fajr—then they are permitted to break their fast. This is what the Prophetﷺ did during the year of the conquest (of Makkah).

Is it valid to share in the 'aqīqah by contributing a seventh share of a camel or cow?

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
Yes, it is permissible. If a group of people jointly share in the slaughter of a camel or a cow on behalf of seven individuals, this is valid — regardless of whether all of them intend the 'aqīqah, or some intend the 'aqīqah, others the uḍḥiyyah, and others simply the purchase of meat. And Allah Almighty knows best.