2nd Dhul Hijjah 1446 | 29th May 2025
All praise is due to Allah, and may His choicest blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets صلى الله عليه وسلم, his companions, and those who follow him.
Wifaqul Ulama UK was established 21 years ago to revive a neglected Sunnah—local moon sighting—in the UK and many parts of the world. Our objective has always been to move communities away from unreliable or inconsistent reports and towards a system rooted in the Shari’ah, one that encourages Muslims to engage actively with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Every Muslim should participate in moon sighting. Our children should know the Islamic date, and the Muslim calendar should guide our daily lives. If we do not uphold it, who will?
To facilitate this vision, Wifaqul Ulama UK—through its panel of scholars—developed a structured process that prioritises local sightings while accepting international sightings that meet strict Shari’ah criteria.
Our aim has never been convenience, but compliance with Islamic law. While some may prefer the early announcements made through the Saudi-based system—even before sunset in the UK—we remain committed to a methodology that is robust, credible, and free of doubt.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Indeed, Allah has prescribed Ihsān (excellence) in all things.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1955)
And also:
“Haste is from the Devil, and deliberation is from Allah.” (Ṭabrāni and Abu Ya’la)
We understand that many in the UK are used to receiving news of a new month quickly, often just after sunset. However, we believe that shahādah (testimony of moon sighting) must be processed with due Islamic rigour.
Why Announcements May Be Delayed:
There are several legitimate factors that may result in a delay in confirming the start of the new lunar month:
1. Time Between Sunset and Moonset
One crucial factor in delaying a decision is the natural interval between sunset and moonset. In the UK, this window—when the crescent is potentially visible—varies significantly with the seasons:
• In summer, the moon can remain above the horizon for 50 to 70 minutes after sunset.
• In winter, this time is shorter—typically between 25 to 40 minutes.
This variation directly impacts how long Wifaqul Ulama must wait before confirming whether a sighting is possible. When no confirmed sighting is reported immediately after sunset, we remain on standby until moonset, as it remains feasible for someone to spot the crescent during this period. A decision made prematurely would risk excluding valid sightings that occur within this narrow but critical window.
2. Witness Verification Meetings
Wifaqul Ulama prefers to meet witnesses face to face where possible to verify testimonies. In cases where this is not feasible, video or audio conferencing may be used. However, the presence of regional Ulama panels across the UK supports in-person verification. Occasionally, time is needed for a witness to travel and attend such meetings.
3. Deliberation and Internal Consultation
After a testimony is taken, it is not immediately accepted. Instead, discussions are held among scholars—typically via audio conferencing—which can involve between 5 and 40 Ulama. During this process, testimonies are scrutinised for inconsistencies, and concerns may be raised regarding the validity of the sighting. This ensures a level of due diligence that we believe is unparalleled.
4. Multi-Layered Verification Process
Each potential sighting—whether from the UK or abroad (e.g., Morocco)—is subject to a comprehensive review:
• Initial Screening: The credibility of the source is assessed.
• Direct Questioning: Scholars question witnesses regarding exact timing, location, weather conditions, and observed characteristics to avoid common mistakes (e.g., confusing stars or aeroplanes with the moon).
• Astronomical Cross-Referencing: While actual sighting (Ru’yat-e-Hilal) remains the priority, astronomical data is used to support credibility and feasibility.
• Council Review: A panel of senior scholars collectively evaluates all findings to reach a considered and unified decision.
Measures to Reduce Delays:
• Trusted Sighters Database: We maintain a list of experienced, reliable moon sighters to streamline verification.
• Acceptance of Valid International Sightings: Sights from trusted countries such as Morocco and South Africa are considered to avoid unnecessary delays while maintaining focus on local efforts.
• Decentralised Ulama Panels: Regional panels expedite local assessments and help make decisions faster.
Supporting Community Confidence:
We urge Masājid that follow our criteria to highlight the strength and precision of this process. Delays, where they occur, typically affect the community only once or twice a year. On such occasions, we encourage Imams and organisers to consider delaying ‘Ishā or Tarāwīḥ by up to 30 minutes, enabling confirmation of the month in accordance with the Shari’ah.
While other committees may issue quicker announcements, this often reflects differences in methodology.
We respect all Shari’ah-compliant practices but remain committed to a cautious and meticulous approach to avoid premature or incorrect declarations.
The sanctity of this responsibility requires such diligence. Some committees may rely on a small number of testimonies or minimal checking; our process, by contrast, prioritises certainty over speed.
We recognise that timely announcements are essential for community organisation. To that end, we continually review our internal procedures to improve efficiency without compromising our Shari’ah-based principles. Communication is also being streamlined to ensure swift updates once a decision is reached.
May Allah Subhānahu wa Ta‘ālā accept our collective efforts and unite the Ummah upon truth and guidance.
