Statement of Ottawa Muslim Association
In regards of determining the crescent of Ramadan for the year 1430H – 2009
After a thorough study of the state and the reality of Muslims in the West and the rules of Shari'a and guidance from astronomers, the following has been decided:
• Rely on sighting of the moon using visual devices such as a Telescope and other reliable tools.
• Relying on the declaration of Muslims in North America with regard to their moon sighting (this is based on the differences of sightings).
• To take the opinion of astronomers at least when ruling out the possibility of sighting the crescent.
• To set up a committee to represent organizations and Masjids in Ottawa; and using the assistance of one of astronomers (a non-Muslim if a Muslim Astronomer is unavailable); the Committee to be called Ottawa Moon Sighting Committee; and will be entrusted with sighting the Crescent. Members will be trained on how to sight the Crescent using the Telescope and other methods.
• In case of not forming the Committee, or in case its incompetence, or in case of having bad weather conditions, consultation with other committees outside of Ottawa may be pursued as long as these places are located within the same longitude in Canada and the United States (maximum three hour time difference). The purpose of this procedure is to facilitate the process and to prepare the Muslim community for Ramadan. As it has been decided according the principles of jurisprudence “hardship brings facilitation.”For example: if we were told after four or five hours that Ramadan is on the next day, who can inform all the Muslim community about this? And Muslims are required to prepare for Ramadan. If they don’t know ahead of time, they will be confused and uncertain.
• If the crescent could not be sighted due to bad weather conditions in Ottawa, and information did not reach us from outside Ottawa, the Ottawa’s Muslim community will have to complete the month of Shaban for 30 days.
• To respect opinions contrary to our decisions, and to encourage discussions on the subject of sighting the Crescent; and to pray to Allah for acceptance and reward for every good intention.
To read the whole statment plz visit this blog:http://hiottawa.blogspot.com/
Imam / Khalid Abdul Hameed Azhari
(Imam of the Ottawa Mosque) May Allah forgive us and him,
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