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
