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
