Astronomical Calculations are Subject to Human Error (Regarding the “Mistake” in the Saudi Moon sighting) Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) stated: Astronomical calculations are the work of humans, they could be correct or mistaken, as for the sighting of the moon, then this is based on Prophetic evidence. Mr. Ali Al-Moosa wrote a piece in the Al-Watan newspaper (published) on 1433/9/11, entitled: ‘This is not from the Unseen Matters’ as a critique of my statements in which I commented on what has been spread by some astronomers – that it was impossible for the new moon to have been sighted on Friday night this year (1433). I stated that this was a ruling passed on future events which none knows except Allah. Indeed what occurred is at variance with what they said - The new moon was in fact sighted on that night, and all praises are due to Allaah, though they claimed it was impossible for it to be sighted. As for the statement of the writer in the previously mentioned article, that astronomical calculations are a kind of sure knowledge, we say, brother Ali, that the orbit of the celestial bodies in and of itself does not err because it from the pre-ordainment of the All Mighty, All Knowing. Rather it is the calculations of man regarding those (celestial bodies) that are mistaken, as has happened this year, and all praises are due to Allaah. This mistake is not attributed to the movement of the celestial bodies, rather it is attributed to the work of man, because he is not infallible. As for the writer’s words in which he digressed with the issue of the greatness of astronomical calculations, I do not see any benefit in entering into a debate with him about it because others have mentioned this before. The issue is not an issue of calculations, it is a Religious issue that has been decided by the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) when he said: “Begin your fasting based on your sighting of it (the new moon) and end it based on your sighting of it, and if it is obscured then count thirty days for Sha’baan.” [al-Bukhaaree & Muslim] So the correct calculation does not contradict the Religion, and there is no scope for argumentation, since this a Religious issue in which the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) has given a ruling. I do not see any benefit in prolonging this discussion, and all praises are due to Allaah. Written by: Shaykh Saalih bin Fowzaan Al-Fowzaan Member of the Board of Senior Scholars (1433/9/11) Translated by: Nassar M. Hussain Edited by: Moosaa Richardson
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:58:04 +0000
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