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

What is the ruling on performing the Witr prayer as a single rak`ah?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
It is permissible to perform the Witr prayer as a single unit (rak‘ah). It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that a man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about the night prayer, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied: 'The night prayer is offered two by two (mathna mathna). If one of you fears the approach of dawn, let him pray a single rak‘ah to make what he has prayed odd-numbered (Witr) for him.' (Related by al-Bukhari & Muslim)). However, limiting the prayer to only one rak‘ah is considered 'contrary to the preferred way' (Khilaf al-Awla).
 
It is stated in Al-Minhaj al-Qawim Sharh al-Muqaddimah al-Hadramiyyah (p. 137): 'The minimum of Witr is one rak‘ah, but limiting it to that is contrary to what is best.'
 
The most complete form of Witr is eleven units, while the minimum level of 'perfection' is three units. It is stated in ‘Umdat al-Salik (p. 60): 'The minimum of Witr is one rak‘ah, and its maximum is eleven, performing the taslim (salutation) after every two units. The lowest level of perfection is three units with two separate taslims (meaning 2+1).' And Allah the Exalted knows best.

Is it Sunnah to cook the meat of the 'aqīqah?

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
It is Sunnah not to distribute the meat of the 'aqīqah raw. Rather, it is recommended to cook it with something sweet — such as raisins or honey — as a good omen and expression of hope for the sweetness of the newborn's character and conduct throughout their life. And Allah Almighty knows best.

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]

What is the ruling on I‘tikaf in Ramadan?

I‘tikaf is Sunnah in Ramadan, and it is even more emphasized in the last ten nights, in the hope of witnessing Laylat al-Qadr.