"Illuminating the Pathways of Time"

 "Illuminating the Pathways of Time"

"As the celestial ballet unfolds, the Quran's wisdom orchestrates the harmony of precision, guiding humanity toward the symphony of truth, where the astronomical calendar and the lunar calendar blend in perfect synchrony, illuminating the pathways of time."

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

Illuminating the Pathways of Time: Unveiling the Distinctions between Calendars

The Astronomical Calendar straight out of the Quran 

For a People with Knowledge and Wisdom 

In the realm of Islamic scholarship, a profound understanding of the calendars is paramount. The Quran, as the primary source of knowledge, and the Hadith, as the secondary source, provide the foundation for our comprehension. It is essential to acknowledge that both the Quran and Hadith accept the validity of two calendars: the astronomical calendar and the lunar calendar based on naked-eye sightings.

The astronomical calendar, with its precise calculations, is rooted in the Quranic verse "ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ" - "The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed" (Surah 55, Verse 5). This verse underscores the importance of precise calculation and movement of the celestial bodies, including the Moon. In contrast, the lunar calendar based on naked-eye sightings, also known as the "Hilal Month" or "Crescent Month," is used in the Islamic calendar. This method determines the start of each month based on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Throughout Islamic history, renowned astronomers such as Abul-Wefa, Al-Biruni, and Ibn Yunus have made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. They employed astronomical calculations to predict the moon's phases, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of astronomy. The Quran, with its infinite wisdom, serves as a compass guiding humanity in all sciences. As stated in Surah 16, Verse 89, "وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ" - "And We have sent down to you the Book as an explanation of everything." This verse underscores the Quran's role as a source of knowledge, guiding us toward the truth.

As we navigate the complexities of Islamic scholarship, it is essential to recognize the importance of humility and wisdom. The Quran reminds us, in Surah 3, Verse 103, "وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟" - "And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves." This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and the pursuit of knowledge.

In conclusion, as we strive for a deeper understanding of the calendars, let us be guided by the Quran's emphasis on precision, calculation, and unity. By acknowledging the validity of both the astronomical calendar and the lunar calendar based on naked-eye sightings, we can foster a more harmonious and enlightened approach to our faith. As we move forward in this modern era, it has become evident that the calendar depicted in the Quran, with its precise calculations, is more than merely relevant – it is a necessity.

The flawed Fatwa by the MJC regarding Eid-Ul-Adha serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of astronomical accuracy in determining the lunar month. Let us embrace the wisdom of the Quran, acknowledging its role as a source of knowledge and guidance. By doing so, we can ensure a more peaceful and harmonious world, where the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is paramount.

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather Pen 

Astronomer 

Author/Philosopher 

Scientist 

Code writer low level and high level 

Developer of the I.Q.E.

Complex Text Interpreter

A Challenge to Islamic Councils in South Africa

 A Challenge to Islamic Councils in South Africa

To the esteemed members of the Muslim Judicial Council, the United Ulama Council, and all other Islamic authorities in South Africa,

We pose a question that demands your urgent attention and astronomical expertise:

Prove, using every astronomical means possible, including data from the local observatory, that the crescent moon is NOT in the sky at any time after moonrise on 30 March 2025.

The astronomical data confirms that the crescent moon is indeed in the sky, marking the new month of Shawaal. The moon's presence is a testament to the divine harmony that governs our universe, as stated in Surah 55, Verse 5: "ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ" - "The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed."

We challenge you to provide conclusive evidence that contradicts this astronomical fact. Failure to do so will render your claims of an incomplete month untenable.

The Ummah deserves clarity and unity on this matter. We urge you to reexamine your calculations and reconsider your stance. The Quran, in Surah 3, Verse 103, reminds us: "وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟" - "And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah, and be not divided among yourselves."

Let us unite under the banner of truth and astronomical accuracy. The Ummah awaits your response.

The Celestial Harmony: Unveiling the Quran's Precision and the Pursuit of Knowledge

In the realm of Islamic scholarship, the Quran stands as the paramount source of wisdom, guiding humanity toward the path of righteousness and knowledge. The verse in Surah 55, Ayah 5, resonates with profound significance: "ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ" - "The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed." This celestial harmony is a testament to the divine precision that governs our universe.

The Quran's emphasis on precision and calculation is a beacon of guidance for humanity's pursuit of knowledge. In the modern world, we are endowed with advanced technology and instruments that confirm the Quran's precision. The calculation of the Moon's movement, for instance, is a remarkable example of this celestial harmony. The Moon moves at a rate of approximately 0.55 degrees per hour, which translates to 0.0092 degrees per minute. This precise calculation enables us to determine that it takes roughly 108.7 minutes, or 1.81 hours, for the Moon to move 1 degree.

The Quran's wisdom is timeless, and its teachings transcend the boundaries of era and geography. The scholars of the past, such as Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Yunus, and Ibn al-Haytham, were progressive thinkers who embodied the Quran's emphasis on seeking knowledge. They were pioneers in astronomy, mathematics, and optics, and their contributions to human knowledge are immeasurable.

In contrast, the scholars of today often find themselves entrenched in traditionalism, reluctant to embrace the advances of modern science and technology. The Quran, however, reminds us that knowledge is a divine gift, and that we must strive to seek it out: "ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ" - "Read! In the name of your Lord, Who has created." (Surah 96, Ayah 1)

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we must acknowledge that the primary source of knowledge in Islam is the Quran, followed by the Hadith. Fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence, is a human construct that can be flawed. Similarly, the tradition of Maankyking, or moon sighting, is also a human construct that can be inaccurate.

The Quran's wisdom offers us a profound lesson: that knowledge is a dynamic and evolving entity, and that we must strive to seek it out with humility and an open heart. As we move forward in this modern era, let us remember that the pursuit of knowledge is a divine imperative, and that we must embrace the advances of science and technology to better understand the world around us.

In the future, as we continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge, we will inevitably move away from the traditionalism of Maankyking and toward a more precise and calculated understanding of the celestial world. The Quran's precision and calculation will remain our guiding light, illuminating the path to knowledge and wisdom.

References:

[1] Quran, Surah 55, Ayah 5

[2] Calculation of the Moon's movement, Astronomy 🪐 

[3] Quran, Surah 96, Ayah 1

The Mystery of two Eids Solved Eid-ul-Fitr will be on 31 March 2025

 To the esteemed members of the United Ulama Council, respected scholars, and the entire Ummah of South Africa,

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

I stand before you today, humbled and honored to share a profound message, grounded in the principles of the Quran and the precision of celestial mechanics. After five years of meticulous research, I have arrived at an unequivocal conclusion: Eid-ul-Fitr will indeed be on 31 March 2025.

The moon, having surpassed the threshold of 29.5 days, will be visible in the sky, its crescent a beacon of guidance. This phenomenon is not merely a product of astronomical calculation, but a testament to the divine harmony that governs our universe.

Regrettably, the testimony of Maankykers, well-intentioned as it may be, contradicts the teachings of the Quran. The sacred scripture reminds us, in Surah 55, Ayah 5: "ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ" - "The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed." This verse underscores the precision and accuracy that permeate the universe, rendering human testimony secondary to celestial evidence.

Furthermore, the Eid-ul-Adha Fatwa issued by the Muslim Judicial Council is, respectfully, flawed. The calculation of lunar days, a task that has consumed my research for five years, has yielded an irrefutable conclusion: no Islamic institution is qualified to issue a Fatwa regarding the moon without first submitting to the rigorous standards of celestial mechanics.

The evidence, unyielding and uncompromising, compels us to reexamine our understanding of lunar calculations. The Quran, in Surah 3, Ayah 103, cautions us: "وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟" - "All together hold fast the rope of Allah (Faith of Islam) and be not divided among yourselves."

In humility, I submit my findings to the United Ulama Council and the entire Ummah of South Africa. I beseech you to consider the evidence, to scrutinize the calculations, and to render a verdict that aligns with the divine guidance of the Quran.

May Allah, the Almighty, guide us towards the truth, and may our collective pursuit of knowledge and understanding be a testament to the unity and harmony that define our faith.

Continued 

The Harmony of Celestial Mechanics and Divine Revelation: A Profound Exploration of the Lunar Calendar and the Ramadan Obligation

In the grand tapestry of existence, the celestial ballet of our universe unfolds with precision and beauty, a testament to the infinite wisdom of the Divine. The Quran, a sacred scripture revealed to humanity, not only guides us on the path of righteousness but also confirms the accuracy of celestial mechanics with remarkable precision. This essay delves into the intricate relationship between the lunar calendar, the Ramadan obligation, and the celestial mechanics that govern our universe.

The lunar calendar, a system based on the cycles of the Moon, is a fundamental component of Islamic tradition. A lunar month, approximately 29.53 days, is the average time it takes for the Moon to orbit the Earth. The lunar calendar typically consists of 12 months, with alternating months of 29 and 30 days. However, some lunar calendars may incorporate a leap month to maintain synchrony with the solar year. The maximum number of lunar days in a month is 30, and the minimum is 29.

The Quran, in Surah 55, Ayah 5, declares: "ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ" - "The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed." This verse underscores the precision and accuracy that permeate the universe, reaffirming the harmony between celestial mechanics and divine revelation.

Astronomical data for the Moon on 30 March 2025 reveals that the crescent is indeed present and observable with the naked eye or binoculars due to its favorable altitude (5°) and solar elongation (17.4°). This data corroborates the Quranic principle of "ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ", demonstrating the precision of celestial mechanics.

The calculation of fasting days, from 2 March 2025, 05:16 to 30 March 2025, 18:48, yields a duration of approximately 29.563 days. This period satisfies the Ramadan obligation, which necessitates fasting for 29 or 30 days.

Surah 3, Ayah 103, reminds us: "وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِحَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا۟" - "All together hold fast the rope of Allah (Faith of Islam) and be not divided among yourselves." This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and adherence to divine guidance.

In conclusion, the harmony between celestial mechanics and divine revelation is evident in the lunar calendar and the Ramadan obligation. The Quran confirms the accuracy of celestial mechanics, and astronomical data verifies the presence of the crescent moon. Based on this evidence, we have fulfilled our fasting obligation for the month of Ramadan. As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr on 31 March 2025, let us remember the unity and divine guidance that underpin our faith.

Astronomical Data for the Moon on 30 March 2025

Location

Cape Town, CPT (ZA)

Date and Time

30 March 2025, 18:47 (Africa/Johannesburg)

Object

Moon

Equatorial Coordinates

- Right Ascension (RA): 01h 36m 00s

- Declination (Dec): +13° 47' 41"

Apparent Data

- Apparent Diameter (Appat): 12000"

- Apparent Magnitude (Mag): -5.83

- Altitude (Alt): 5°

Lunar Data

- Solar Elongation: 17.4°

- Constellation: Pisces (Psc)

Planetary Distances

- Sun Distance: 149.09 million kilometers (MKm)

- Earth Distance: 0.36 million kilometers (MKm)

Lunar Rise, Transit, and Set Times

- Rise: 07:53 (Africa/Johannesburg)

- Transit: 13:41 (Africa/Johannesburg)

- Set: 19:20 (Africa/Johannesburg)

Crescent Visibility

The crescent is PRESENT and can be viewed with the naked eye or binoculars due to its favorable altitude (5°) and solar elongation (17.4°).

References:

- Astronomical Data for the Moon on 30 March 2025

- Calculation of Fasting Days

- Surah 55, Ayah 5

- Surah 3, Ayah 103

-Whalid Safodien 

The Feather Pen