All the previous resolutions adopted in the five national moonsighting conferences held by CHC. 

2009 - Establishment of the Central Hilal Committee: New York, NY: Ulama Kiram from 13 states across the US convened in New York for the first time to solve these dissentions and organize the moon sighting effort nationally. They all agreed to coordinate monthly moon sighting efforts and maintain a proper shahadah system in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah. To achieve unity across the states, they also agreed to coordinate the moon sighting announcement from this central body instead of announcing separately from their individual organizations. 

2014 - 2nd National Moonsighting Conference: Long Island, NY: 4 states joined CHC. Ulama Kiram from 17 states attended the conference. They all agreed that astronomical calculation is completely against the Shariah.

2015 - 3rd National Moonsighting Conference: Chicago, IL: 5 states joined CHC. Ulama Kiram from a total of 22 states participate in the conference.

2016 - 4th National Moonsighting Conference: Chicago, IL: 1 state joined CHC. Ulama Kiram from a total of 23 states participate in the conference.

2019 - 5th National Moonsighting Conference: Stockton, CA: 2 states joined CHC. Ulama Kiram from a total of 25 states participate in the conference.

2024 – 6^th National Moonsighting Conference: Walden, NY: 2 states joined CHC. Ulama Kiram from a total of 27 states participate in the conference. The resolutions for this conference are uploaded to this link: 

Taken from Moonsighting Essentials, CHC (pp. 237-251) 

CHC Resolutions

3 Rajab, 1430 AH, corresponding to June 27, 2009 CE

Shariah Approved Solutions to Hilal Sighting and Allied Issues: Jackson Heights, NY

 

The sighting of the hilal is one of the important issues that the Muslim Ummah faces every year. The differences and ensuing rifts that appear on this issue among the Muslims in the entire country, are in fact truly painful for all the caring and sensitive members of the Muslim community.

 

To think this problem over, and to find a solution, the heads of the hilal committees of different states gathered for a ‘National Hilal Sighting Conference’ under the auspices of Shariah Approved Solutions to Hilal Sighting and Allied Issues. This conference was held on Saturday, 3rd Rajab, 1430 AH, corresponding to June 27th, 2009 at The Conference Hall, Bangladesh Plaza, in Jackson Heights, New York.

 

We are very pleased to announce that, a "Central Hilal Sighting Committee" was formed under the guidance and auspices of renowned Ulama, to find an organized solution to this problem. It should be known that all local hilal committees throughout the US, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands have at least one (1) representative as part of the Central Hilal Sighting Committee. It should be kept in mind that the participating Ulama Kiram consider Ikhtilaful Matali’ (Difference of Horizons) as correct from the Shar’i point of view.

 

The participants of the National Hilal Sighting Conference were as follows:

 

Shaikh Shah Nawalur Rahman, Chairman, Rahmate Alam Foundation, Chicago

Shaikh Abdus Sattar, Chairman, Chicago hilal Committee, Illinois

Shaikh Obaidur Rahman, Chairman, Shariah Council, California

Dr. Khalid Siddiqi, Vice Chairman, Shariah Council, California

Shaikh Husaamuddin from Houston, Texas

Shaikh Nisaarul Haq from Houston, Texas

Shaikh Irfan Kabiruddin, Secetary, Ulama Council of Maryland

Shaikh Haamid Kamal from Maryland

Shaikh Muhammad Naumani from Maryland

Shaikh Ibrahim from Maryland

Shaikh Abdul Majeed, Vice Chairman, Ulama Council of Virginia

Shaikh Abdul Muqtadir, Imam, Nidaaul Islam Masjid, New Jersey

Shaikh Sharfuddin from New Jersey

Shaikh Shahid from New Jersey

Shaikh Imran Sharif, Imam, Danbury Masjid, Connecticut

Shaikh Shamsuddin from Connecticut

Br. Bilal Yaqub from Burlington, MA, representative of Islamic Council of New England, Imams Shura Council

Shaikh Ibrahim from Florida

Shaikh Muhammad Ali from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shaikh Mansoor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shaikh Ahmad Abdur Rab, representative of Ulama Council of Detroit, Michigan

Shaikh Ibrahim Madani from Buffalo, New York

Shaikh Mutiur Rahman, Imam, Masjid Muwahhideen, Long Island, New York

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq, Imam, Seldon Masjid, Long Island, New York

Shaikh Rafiq, Imam, Masjid As Safaa, Manhattan, New York

Shaikh Mujeebur Raman, Imam, Madinah Masjid, Manhattan, New York

Shaikh Ruhullah, Imam, Bangladesh Muslim Center, Brooklyn, New York

Shaikh Muhibbur Rahman, Imam, Masjid Baitul Jannah, Brooklyn, New York

Shaikh Mufti Khalid Kawser from Brooklyn, New York

Shaikh Hidayatullah from Bronx, New York

Shaikh Ashrafuz Zamaan Khan, President, North American Imam Federation (NAIF), ex president, Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

Shaikh Mufti Jamaluddin, Chairman Baitul Hamd Institute New York

Shaikh Mufti Ruhul Amin, Chairman Darul Quran Wassunnah New York

Shaikh Mufti Noman Vazir, Secetary, Shariah Board of New York

Shaikh Yameen, Senior Teacher, Darul Uloom New York (DUNY), Queens, New York

Shaikh Suhel Teli, Teacher, Darul Uloom New York (DUNY), Queens, New York

And many other Ulama Kiram.

 

Those Ulama who were unable to attend the conference due to their prior engagements nevertheless expressed their support and promised their cooperation. Some of the noted ones include: members of the Toronto hilal Committee; Imam Siraj Wahaaj of Masjid Taqwa, Amir of Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA); Shaikh Mufti Abdur Rahman Qamar; Imam, Madni Masjid, New York; Shaikh Zafeer Uddin, Imam, I.C.N.A. Markaz, Jamaica; Shaikh Aslamuddin Al Azhari, Imam, Masjid Abu Hurairah; Shaikh Faiquddin, Imam, Jame Masjid Jackson Heights; Shaikh Muneer Ahmad Akhoon, President Al Muneer Foundation, New York; Imam Tariq Rasheed; Shaikh Azhar Subedar; and Shaikh Haroon from Florida.

 

The following items were unanimously agreed upon in the conference:

1. Formation of a Central Hilal Sighting Committee: A central committee has been formed comprising of the members of the hilal committees of different states, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. Initially, representatives from 11 different states and major cities have been included in this committee and representatives of the remaining states and other cities will be added in the future, Insha’Allah.
2. All the countries and islands of North America, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, will be considered as one ‘horizon’ – further details will be forthcoming in the meeting minutes.
3. All local hilal committees of different states will meet regularly on the 29th of each Islamic month in their respective areas and appoint responsible persons for the sighting of the hilal. The responsible persons will in turn present any reported sighting to their respective local hilal committee.
4. The decision will be made by the Ulama of the local hilal committee solely on the grounds of Shar’i Shahadah (see #6 below). When needed, help will be sought from Muslim astronomers regarding the probability of sighting the hilal.
5. The Central Hilal Committee will help organize hilal committees in states where there are no existing local hilal committees.
6. The conditions for Shar’i Shahadah (testimony according to Shari’ah) mentioned by the jurists are as follows:
   1. The witness must be a Muslim; a non-Muslim’s testimony is not acceptable regarding the sighting of the hilal.
   2. The witness must be sane; an insane person’s testimony is not acceptable.

• The witness must be an adult; a minor’s testimony is not acceptable.

1. The witness must not be blind.
2. The witness must be just and honest.
3. The most important factor that must be present in all Shahadahs (testimonies) is that the witness be a “just” person, as Allah Ta’ala has mentioned it specifically in the Quran: "And take testimony from the just and honest amongst you.”

• The words "I testify" must be used in the testimony; without this word, the testimony will be null and void. The word "I testify" renders the meaning of "swearing under oath". Therefore, it is necessary that at the beginning of the testimonial, the witness must say that; "I testify that such incident happened in such a manner."
• The witness must be an eye witness, i.e., he or she was present and observed the moon themselves, and is not merely testifying on hearsay.

 

Generally for all Islamic months, but particularly for Ramadan and the two Eids, the members of the Central Hilal Sighting Committee will coordinate amongst themselves and present their unanimous decision to the Muslim masses. In order to reach the Muslim masses and for coordination purposes, the website www.hilalcommitee.org will be used.

 

We would like to make a passionate and heartfelt appeal to the Muslims of North America to trust the Ulama and adhere to their decisions regarding the beginning and end of the blessed month of Ramadan and the correct day of Eid al Adha.

 

20 Jumadal Ula, 1435 AH, corresponding to March 22, 2014 CE

Shariah Approved Solutions to Hilal Sighting and Allied Issues: Long Island, NY

 

Ulama from 21 states attended the conference, and after eight long hours of academic discussion, the following items were unanimously agreed upon:

1. The important responsibility of preserving the Islamic Hijri date and calendar falls upon all the Muslims of North America in their respective localities. To fulfill this responsibility, they must make local efforts to go out and look for the moon every month.
2. Beginning Ramadan and determining the two Eids based on astronomical calculations is absolutely impermissible in the Shari’ah.
3. The theory of ‘Unification of the Moons and Eids’ is not in accordance with the Shari’ah. Moreover, deciding Ramadan and the two Eids based on the Saudi announcement is invalid, both from a Shar’i and scientific perspective.
4. The Caribbean Islands and such areas of South America are included in the horizon, from where the reports of the moon reach the Ulama of CHC via tariq mujib. For instance, Chile, Venezuela, and Argentina, where local Ulama actively look for the moon.
5. Alhamdulillah, 11 additional states have established local moonsighting committees and are now under the umbrella of the Central Hilal Committee. Furthermore, the Ulama responsible for coordinating the Central Hilal Committee were appointed.

 

Insha Allah, CHC shall make unanimous monthly announcements on behalf of and through the help of all the Ulama doing their valuable parts in their local hilal committees.

We would also like to make a passionate and heartfelt appeal to the Muslims of North America to stay updated with the correct Islamic dates via the CHC website, www.hilalcommittee.org, and Twitter page, @CentralHilalCmt.

 

13 Rajab, 1436 AH, corresponding to May 2, 2015 CE

3^rd Moonsighting Conference: Chicago, IL

 

The following items were unanimously agreed upon in the conference:

1. The representative of the Central Hilal Committee of North America should arrange efforts to look for the moon on the night following the 29^th day of every Islamic month in different Masajid of their respective cities. Subcommittees should be formed and encouraged to do this effort by explaining the importance of moonsighting. Furthermore, one Alim (scholar) should be present at each location where the effort is being made, and all reports, positive or negative, should be forwarded to CHC.
2. Communication should be established with those Masajid or Islamic centers who follow calculations or global moonsighting.
3. Representatives of each state should set seminars in local Masajid according to their convenience so that the responsible Ulama of CHC may attend to explain the importance of moonsighting.
4. The booklets already published by CHC should be printed in large numbers and distributed free of charge among the Muslim masses.

 

15 Rajab, 1437 AH, corresponding to April 23, 2016 CE

4^th CHC National Conference: Chicago, IL

 

The following items were unanimously declared in the conference:

1. Islam is a religion of peace that teaches comprehensive guidance to successfully conduct the life of all human beings. It commands its followers to be peaceful, be promoters of peace and to strive to exemplify the qualities of kindness, love, mercy, patience, tolerance, and morality in the society.
2. Peace, mercy, and tolerance are the most important defining words for the collective personality of a Muslim.
3. The current effort of moonsighting nationwide must continue, and local masajid not yet following the proper way should be convinced with hikmah.

 

26-27 Jumadal Ula, 1440 AH, corresponding to February 2-3, 2019 CE

5^th CHC National Conference: Stockton, CA

 

The representatives of the Central Hilal Committee convened for the Fifth National CHC Conference to discuss primarily the topic of moonsighting, along with a few other important issues related to the Muslim Ummah.

 

The claims that have circulated in support of "Global Moon Sighting", misusing certain classical texts of the Fugaha, are simply a means of following Saudi moon sighting announcements. In this conference, held in California, clears proofs from the books of Figh were presented explaining why this view is against the Shariah, illogical and incautious in this matter. It was proven by this that 'Global Moon Sighting' and following Saudi moon sighting announcements, in countries foreign to them, is against the Shariah.

 

The following resolutions were passed unanimously as well:

1. CHC representatives will continue the local efforts to sight the moon every month in accordance to the commandments of the Shariah (explained in the conference). The positive and negative reports of sighting will be informed to the Central Hilal Committee via email, twitter, mobile app, website, phone, etc.
2. CHC representatives agree that machine slaughter is NOT halal according to the Shariah.
3. Opinions were presented in the conference by different Ulama Kiram regarding the establishment of a 'Wifaqul Ulama' (Council of Theologians). Other Ulama opined that a council be established for the protection of Khatm Nubuwwah (Finality of the Prophethood).
4. The need and organization of maktabs to educate the youth was discussed.

The members of the Central Hilal Committee of North America would like to make a passionate and heartfelt appeal to the Muslims of North America to trust the Ulama Kiram and adhere to their decisions regarding the beginning and end of the blessed month of Ramadan and the correct day of Eid.

 

We ask Allah to show us the Straight Path and allow us to follow it, and show us what is incorrect and allow us to abstain from it.

 

Participants of the Fifth National CHC Conference were as follows:

 

Chief Guest: Shaikh Suliman Gani, South London, UK,

Member, ICOUK AND Wifaqul Ulama, Head Imam at Purley Masjid, Founder, Al Khaleel Institute, Graduate of Madinah University, Faculty of Hadith, MA in Islamic Studies from SOAS University, London

 

Arizona:

Shaikh Umar Farooq Mahmood, Imam, Masjid Ibrahim, Kingman

 

Connecticut:

Shaikh Haqgani Mian Qadri, Imam, Stamford Masjid

Shaikh Shamsuddin, Bridgeport Masjid

 

Florida:

Shaikh Zakariyyah Badat, Imam, Director, Masjid Khaleel, Davie Illinois

Shaikh Mohammad Amjad Ali Qasmi, Rahmate Alam Foundation, Shariah Board America

Shaikh Abdus Sattar, Chairman, Chicago Hilal Committee

Shaikh Abdul Haleem, Rahmate Alam Foundation, Shariah Board America

Shaikh Azeem J. Mohammad

 

Louisiana:

Shaikh Yasir Usmani

 

Massachusetts:

Shaikh Mushtaque Ahmad, Darul Argam

Shaikh Shakeelur Rahman, Imam, Islamic Center of Burlington

Shaikh Akhtar Jaan

Shaikh Abdurrahman Ahmad

 

Minnesota:

Shaikh Fawzaan Nadwi, Imam, Darul Arqam Minneapolis

 

New Jersey:

Shaikh Abdul Muqtadir, Nidaul Islam

Shaikh Sharfuddin, Islamic Center of Harrison

Shaikh Maseehuddin

 

New York:

Shaikh Jamaluddin, Shariah Board, New York (SBNY), Baitul Hamd Institute

Shaikh Ruhul Amin, SBNY, Darul Quran WasSunnah (DQWS)

Shaikh Kashif Aziz, Resident Scholar, Masjid Hamza, Valley Stream, NY

Shaikh Khalid Kawsar, Jamia Darus Sunnah, Brooklyn, NY

Shaikh Manzoor, Darul Uloom New York (DUNY)

Shaikh Borhan, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Ubaidullah, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Amir Elhadidy (Staten Island)

Shaikh Ilyas Seth, DQWS

Shaikh Mikael Abdurrahman, Darul Uloom New York (DUNY)

Shaikh Mahmood Islam, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Kamaluddin Mohammad, DQWS

Shaikh Faisal Wahab, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Fahad Wahab, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Abdussamad, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Mohammad Ismail, An-Noor Cultural Center, Queens, NY

Shaikh Ilyas Bhula, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Fakrul Islam, SBNY, DQWS

Shaikh Noman Vazir, SBNY, DQWS

 

Nevada:

Shaikh Faruq Dowdell

 

North Carolina:

Shaikh Amjad Ali

 

Pennsylvania:

Shaikh Muslihuddeen Kawsar (Rihlatul Ilm Foundation)

Shaikh Muhammad Chowdhury

 

Virginia:

Shaikh Shahzad M. Hussain, Imam, Masjid Nur, Springfield

Shaikh Qareeb Rahman, Imam, Manassas Muslim Association

Shaikh Kashif Saleem, Teacher, Masjid Sabireen, (ISGH)

Shaikh Nur Ahmad, Al-Noor Muslim Community Center (Manor)

 

Washington:

Shaikh Ahmad Abdul Mujeeb, Imam, Masjid Umar Al Farooq, Seattle

Shaikh Fazal Hassan (Bellevue)

 

Oregon:

Shaikh Abdul Hamid, Imam, Masjid Ibrahim (Portland)

 

California:

Shaikh Obedur Rahman, Ameer Islamic Shariah Council of California (ISCCA)

Shaikh Khalid Siddiqui, Vice President, ISCCA

Shaikh Muddassir, Religious Director, ISCCA, Fremont

Shaikh Nawaz Khan, ISCCA

Shaikh Tameem Ahmadi, ISCCA

Shaikh Shakib Nawabi (San Diego) ISCCA

Shaikh Khalid Saeed, ISCCA

Shaikh Shadman Ahmad Qasmi, ISCCA

Shaikh Ahmad Umarji, ISCCA

Shaikh Abdullah Nana, ISCCA, HF SAA

Shaikh Ahmad Baseer Hamidi, ISCCA

Shaikh Zakariyya Twist, Zaytuna Institute, Crescent Watch

Shaikh Mohibullah, ISCCA

Shaikh Basim Rahman, ISCCA

Shaikh Faseeh Khajah, ISCCA

Shaikh Abdul Sattar, Imam of Madina Center Stockton, ISCCA

Shaikh Yasir Khan, ISCCA

Shaikh Ahsan Osman, ISCCA

Shaikh Latifurrahman, ISCCA

Shaikh Nabeelurrahman, ISCCA

Shaikh Meraj Desai, ISCCA

Shaikh Hamza Mehter, ISCCA

Shaikh Imraan, ISCCA

Shaikh Niamatullah, ISCCA

Shaikh Aziz Rahman, ISCCA

Shaikh Rohullah Bayanzai, ISCCA

Shaikh Kamran Abid, ISCCA

 

Those Ulama Kiraam who were unable to attend the conference due to prior engagements, and expressed their support and promised their cooperation, were from the states of Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and New Mexico.

 

CHC Policies

 

1. Final Decision: The final decision shall be made by the elder Ulama appointed as responsible for the Central Hilal Committee. It shall be solely on the grounds of Shar’i Shahadah as detailed in Policy #3.
2. Objectives:
   1. Revive the abandoned sunnah of moon sighting every month, especially for Ramadan and Eid.
   2. Unite the Muslims of USA on both Eids and Ramadan by establishing a nationwide system of sighting the moon all year round.

• Fulfill the obligation on the entire community to sight the moon (fardh kifaya) every month, nationwide.

1. Preserve the Hijri Calendar by establishing an effective system of verified sighting.
2. Determine the correct days of fasting, Eid, zakat year calculation, 'iddat, death date, talaq date, al-Ayyam al-Beedh, etc.
3. Announce from a central authority composed of local subcommittees with Ulama to accept the local testimonies.

• Collaborate with the Ulama Kiram throughout the nation by making a joint decision by consultation.
• Eliminate the unnecessary differences and confusion among Muslim communities by bringing everyone together on something the Quran and Sunnah mandate and no one has any differences about: simply go out and look for the moon.

3. System of Shahadah: In general, the system of shahadah utilized by the Central Hilal Committee of North America is shahadah 'ala al-shahadah (testimony upon witness). This is a valid form of accepting testimony in light of the Shariah as mentioned by Hadhrat Mufti Shafi sahib rahimahullah in his famous book, Ruyat-e-Hilal (pg. 51). CHC policy omits #8 of Hadhrat Mufti sahib's conditions of shahadah because it is not relevant to our work at the national level.  Locally, however, this condition exists and is implemented by each of our member committees. Thus, for example, if CHC receives a khabr from Georgia, by telephone, regarding a sighting, it will not accept it until the witness presents himself in front of a local hilal committee of the ulama in Georgia which is affiliated with CHC.  Thereafter, if the member 'ulama of that local committee accept the shahadah, they will present their acceptance (on the basis of shahadah 'ala al-shahadah) to the responsible 'ulama of CHC, who will decide on the issue at the nationwide level.  This system of accepting shahadah by a local committee (the substitute for a qadi in this situation) and then implementing it on a national level is found in Hadhrat Mufti sahib's book on pages 38-42.
4. Conditions for Shar’i Shahadah:
   1. The witness must be a Muslim; a non-Muslim’s testimony is not acceptable regarding the sighting of the hilal.
   2. The witness must be sane; an insane person’s testimony is not acceptable.

• The witness must be an adult; a minor’s testimony is not acceptable.

1. The witness must not be blind.
2. The witness must be just and honest.
3. The most important factor that must be present in all Shahadahs (testimonies) is that the witness be a “just” person, as Allah Ta’ala has mentioned it specifically in the Quran: "And take testimony from the just and honest amongst you.”

• The words "I testify" must be used in the testimony; without this word, the testimony will be null and void. The word "I testify" renders the meaning of "swearing under oath". Therefore, it is necessary that at the beginning of the testimonial, the witness must say that; "I testify that such incident happened in such a manner."
• The witness must be an eye witness, i.e., he or she was present and observed the moon themselves, and is not merely testifying on hearsay.

5. Limits of Astronomical Data: Visibility charts and astronomical data are used as aids in the moon sighting effort, i.e. to show where and when the moon is expected to be sighted. However, regardless of what the visibility charts predict, a thorough effort shall be made to sight the moon every month in all regions of the United States of America. 

In accepting reports, the principles of the Shariah are the determining factor.  Regardless of the nature of the visibility charts or any other scientific data for the instance in question, when a shahadah is acceptable by Shar'i principles, it will be accepted.  In making the final decision, the requirement of jam ghafeer when the sky is clear and similar requirements are adhered to. The Shar'i principles of moon sighting are given definite priority over the visibility charts and all other scientific data.

Astronomical data stands very strongly as signs of possible mishaps the sighters may have made.  Although astronomical data alone is not the determining factor for the decision, it bears much weight when discussing a reported sighting.  We do not feel the science behind moonsighting is completely irrelevant to the decision nor should it be ignored altogether.  Rather, it is usually in complete coherence to the sighting efforts.  Thus, the scientific data can be used to negate reports when it is completely impossible to sight, like when the moon sets before the sun.

6. In general, the matla’ adopted by the ulama of CHC shall not include any such place which will bring a 28/31 day complication in our calendar. See more details in CHC Matla’.

 

CHC Matla’

History of Moonsighting in America

It is the responsibility of Muslims to fulfill the injunctions of Islam regardless of where they live. Among our many responsibilities is to fulfill the communal obligation of preserving the Islamic Hijri calendar, a symbol of Islamic identity and a part of our great Islamic heritage. This is so we can ensure that the different acts of worship are performed on time and free of error.

The sighting of the Hilal is one of the important issues of contention that the Muslim Ummah faces every year in the United States, in particular at the start of the blessed month of Ramadan and the two Eids. The differences and rifts that ensue on this issue among the Muslims throughout the country are truly painful for all members of the Muslim community.

When Muslims from the East first migrated to the Western hemisphere, no significant Muslim population existed there. In an effort to fulfill their communal responsibilities according to the teachings and regulations of Islam, these Muslims gave particular care to conducting regular moonsighting efforts. Unlike some parts of Europe where countries are geographically small and skies remain overcast throughout the year, the horizon of most of North America–being geographically positioned close to the equator–is usually clear and affords easy opportunities to establish moonsighting.

Besides a few sporadic Arab and Afghan communities, Muslim organizations at large took it as their responsibility to establish regular moonsighting efforts locally, and in some major cities, moonsighting committees were founded under the supervision of the Ulama Kiram. To an extent, these committees consolidated their efforts and collaborated with one another to determine the beginning of the Islamic months and assist their communities in this regard. Committees such as the Shariah Council of California, the Chicago Hilal Committee, and the New York Hilal Committee have been providing their services for 35, 30, and 25 years respectively. With the grace of Allah, the Muslims of North America mostly followed the proper moon sighting system in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah without any dissension until very recently. Controversy arose when it was decided that Eid would be celebrated in North America the day after Arafah took place in Makkah. This view gained some popularity through the promulgation of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). However, prominent scholars worldwide rejected this opinion as invalid in the light of Islam and ended the controversy.  ISNA also ceased to promote this opinion and continued their established practice of coordinating moonsighting efforts locally. 

On August 13, 2006, however, ISNA declared the determination of Ramadan and Eid based on astronomical calculations,  and a large majority of their followers accepted this decision, sparking dissention and disagreement nationwide. Subsequently, this resulted in the formation of four different groups:

1. Those who preserved the long-standing and perennial Islamic injunction of moonsighting locally.
2. Those who openly followed the announcement of Saudi for the determination of Ramadan and Eid.
3. Those who broke away with ISNA and adopted astronomical calculations.
4. Those who followed the announcement of Saudi indirectly, while claiming to actually follow ‘global moonsighting.’

 

The dissention was at a sharp rise and unnecessary rifts were forming amongst communities.  On Rajab 3, 1430 AH / June 27, 2009, Ulama Kiram from thirteen states across the US convened in New York for the first time to solve these dissentions and organize the moon sighting effort nationally. They all agreed to establish a national central hilal committee to find an organized solution to the problem by coordinating monthly moon sighting efforts throughout the States and maintaining a proper shahadah system in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah. To achieve unity across the States, they also agreed to disseminate the moon sighting announcement from this central body instead of announcing separately from their individual masajid and Islamic centers.

Thus, the Central Hilal Committee of North America was formed under the guidance of these renowned Ulama Kiram, with its primary purpose being to unite the Muslims on the perennial, pure Prophetic practice of moon sighting and to end the widespread dissension and disagreements in regards to this important issue.

Alhamdulillah, after the formation of the Central Hilal Committee, awareness was spread among the Muslim masses to revive this neglected wajib ala al-kifayah (communal obligation) in the mainland USA on a monthly basis. This was done through regular CHC conferences, awareness programs and regular reminders through email and Twitter. Currently, there are 23 subcommittees of CHC from 23 states and each one makes an effort to sight the Hilāl every month, with special emphasis on Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. During these special times, more than 500 people at 50+ locations all over the U.S. make an effort to sight the moon!

 

CHC Moon Sighting Criteria

Throughout history, Ulama Kiram have invested their faculties and resources to the greatest extent possible, in order to solve such contemporary issues. The extensive research and utmost dedication of the Ulama can be understood only after reading their extraordinary works. Along with having profound insight of the Shar’i texts, they also had a deep understanding of the proper practical application of these texts in contemporary affairs. It is only after exhaustive thought and careful deliberation of the Shar’i texts, along with considering astronomical and geographical data, that the Ulama Kiram reach a conclusion in religious matters such as moonsighting. Only after such exhaustive and thorough research are rulings given.

The second national CHC conference was held in 1435 AH/2014 CE in New York City, titled “Shariah Approved Solutions to Hilal Sighting and Allied Issues.” Eight hours were spent in scholarly discussions and deliberation. The conference was conducted in the presence of elder and experienced Ulama from 21 states, many of whom, along with having sound expertise in Tafseer, Hadith, and Fiqh, had practical experience of moonsighting for more than 30 years in the mainland USA. Some of these scholars had also published written works regarding this subject.

In this conference, a few important matters were unanimously decided that would assist in making timely and undisputed decisions every month based on the injunctions of the Shari’ah. Among the many significant decisions, one was to expand the current understanding of horizon (matla’) under the following conditions: the horizon will include (1) those countries which meet the requirements of al Tariq al Mujib, or a verified information system, (2) share common time zones with mainland USA, (3) have established Hilal committees by the local Ulama Kiram, and (4) whom CHC is actively in contact with. In adherence to these requirements, South America, Panama in Central America, and the Caribbean Islands were included in the horizon. This decision was made by the unanimous agreement of all the Ulama present.

Note: Since the establishment of the Central Hilal Committee, fifteen years of diligent monthly observations conducted by the CHC Representative Ulama Kiram and their practical experience have confirmed that whenever the moon is sighted in these locations outside of the US (South America, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands) it will definitely be sighted in the western areas of the United States as well. This is also obvious in terms of astronomy, as the moon age increases and more of the moon becomes illuminated as it continues to move West.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no fiqhi difference of opinion regarding global or local moonsighting. Nowhere in the voluminous books of any of the adept jurists of the past is there any mention of such a difference. Unfortunately, the terms ‘global’ and ‘local’ are portrayed today as equally valid opinions. Equally pretentious is the call towards Tawheed al Ahillah wal A’yad, (Unifying the Crescents and Eids)–a newly-invented idea that contradicts both the sound intellect and the dictates of Islam–as having Eid on different days over the world does not negate unity, not to mention that supposed unity at the expense of established Islamic teachings is not to be tolerated.

What does exist is a difference of opinion regarding the unification (Ittihadul Matali) and difference (Ikhtilaful Matali’) of the horizons. The matla' is an undecided matter among the 'Ulama from the early predecessors to the contemporary elders. Nonetheless, it is an issue of ijtihad and must be decided by the fuqaha of the time.  The 28/31 day issue is a broad criteria to help define this extent by natural factors. For example, if the Muslims of China accepted the sighting of Chile for this past Shawwal, their Ramadan would be only 28 days long. Similarly, if the Muslims of Chile wait specifically for the sighting of China, their month may become 31 days long.  This criteria is broadly defined by distance, but it is not always necessarily so.

Numerous books of renowned Ulama and astronomers were examined thoroughly while researching this matter. During this study, outstanding research regarding moonsighting was found, written by a prestigious alim of the recent past, Shaikh Dr. Mohammed Abd al Latif Salih al Farfaor al Hassani rahimahullah. Shaikh Abd al Latif al-Farfaor rahimahullah was a founding member of the Majma’ al Fiqh al Islami al Duwali (IIFA), Jeddah, KSA, a student of Shaikh Abd al Fattah Abu Ghuddah rahimahullah, the eldest son of one of the greatest Syrian Hanafi scholars in recent times, Shaikh Mohammed Salih al-Farfaor rahimahullah, and the author of numerous scholarly books. Shaikh Abd al Latif al-Farfaor rahimahullah was an expert in Hanafi Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh and various other Islamic sciences. His research paper was presented before the Majma’ al Fiqh al Islami al Duwali in 1406 AH/1985 CE, and was also included in the Majallah Majma’ al Fiqh al Islami al Duwali (N. 2, V. 2, pg 901). It was later published in 1988 by Darul Ma’mun as an independent book, named Bulghat al-Mutali’ fi Bayan al-Hisabi wa al-Matali’.

It was a pleasant coincidence to see that the scholarly research presented by the Shaikh regarding horizons directly concurred with the decision made by the Ulama of the Central Hilal Committee after exhaustive thought and careful consideration.

 For more details, check CHC's paper on CHC Criteria and Matla' as well as the slides presented in CHC Conference #5 CHC Matla'