THE PROBLEM OF USING ASTRONOMICAL CALCULATIONS TO DETERMINE THE LUNAR MONTHS

The sighting of the crescent moon is considered one of the scientific issues of importance in Islamic law, as many of the rulings of worship are linked to it. Fasting is not achieved without the sighting of the crescent moon of Ramadan, and it does not end without the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal. Similarly, the rituals of Hajj are linked to the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul-Hijjah, and other acts of worship begin and end based on the sighting of the crescent moon. From here, the importance of studying the effect of astronomical calculations on the sighting of the crescent moon and proving the beginnings and ends of the lunar months becomes apparent.

The Shiites rely primarily on visual sighting to prove the crescent moon. Is it possible to rely on astronomical calculations, or to combine visual sighting and astronomical calculations? This is what this research has been explained through the following topics.