Resolutions of the 6th National Ulama Conference, “The Shar’i Way to Unity in Moonsighting” held on Safar 19, 1446 AH corresponding to August 24, 2024

To address new issues and to increase awareness in newly included states, the Central Hilal Committee has been organizing conferences periodically. The sixth meeting was hosted by Darul Quran WasSunnah in Walden, New York, on 19th of Safar 1446 AH, corresponding to August 24, 2024.

Ulama from twenty-four (24) states participated, along with two esteemed scholars from abroad:

Sheikh Mufti Syed Hussain Ahmed from Darul Ifta of Darul Uloom Karachi, and Sheikh Mufti Dr Shabbir Ahmed, Chairman of Moon Sighting Australia.

The following matters were unanimously approved by the attendees:

1. Obligation of Moonsighting: Sighting the moon and maintaining the Islamic calendar are Fard Kifayah (communal obligations) in light of hadith and the ijma’ (consensus) of the Fuqaha’.

2. Day of Eid al-Adha: There is no connection between the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha in our matla’ (horizon).

3. Matla’: The matla’ of Central Hilal Committee is reaffirmed based on previous resolutions, which includes North America, Panama, Trinidad, Chile, and Argentina. To include countries such as Brazil will be explored, with the three conditions set by CHC for the matla’: (1) being within one of North America's time zones, (2) having an established and active moon sighting committee run by reliable Ulama who follow similar beliefs and policies as CHC, and (3) maintaining active communication and collaboration with CHC.

4. Calculations for Moon Sighting: Relying solely on calculations is not an acceptable method for determining moonsighting and deciding, although it may serve as an aid.

5. Use of Optical Aids: The use of common optical aids, such as the regular telescope and binoculars, is acceptable for moon sighting given the generally accepted hilal visibility conditions are met and the conditions of shahadah; however, the use of such tools is neither encouraged nor deemed necessary. Some scholars from one state had differing opinions on this matter and agreed to gather their concerns and questions to submit to Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Karachi, and to abide by whatever ruling is issued.

6. Membership and Participation: There are three ways to join the Central Hilal Committee: (1) Members: All Ulama and imams who agree with the committee's policies, (2) Representatives: Three representatives from each state who will remain informed about moonsighting in their state and will provide shahadah to the decision making committee, and (3) Coordinators: They will be responsible for researching and organizing monthly moon sighting efforts and maintaining communication with members and representatives. Interested individuals with relevant experience are encouraged to join.

7. Central Announcement: All affiliated committees will await the announcements from the Central Hilal Committee and will not announce prior to the central announcement.

8. ⁠Conference Scheduling: A CHC Conference is to be held every two years.