Relying solely on science for moon sighting is extremism โ Prof. Alaro
* Says only Muslim leadership can declare start, end of fasting
A renowned Muslim scholar, Professor AbdulRazaq AbdulMajeed Alaro has cautioned Muslims against excessive reliance on scientific calculations for moon sighting while ignoring the provisions of Shariโah, describing such an approach as a form of extremism.
During his appearance on a Kwara Television programme, the Professor of Islamic Law of Banking and Finance at the University of Ilorin, clarified that Islam does not reject science or modern technology, including the use of telescopes, in the process of moon sighting.
He explained that scientific tools are permissible and useful as aids that can make moon sighting easier and more accurate, but warned against adopting science in a way that replaces Islamic legal principles.
According to Prof. Alaro, โIt is allowed to use science and telescopes to aid moon sighting, but it becomes extremism when science is relied upon to the extent that Shariโah is ignored. We should never attempt to use science to replace Shariโah.โ
He noted that scientific calculations are not free from error and cited a recent case where scientists had predicted that the moon would not be sighted on a particular date. Contrary to that prediction, he said, the moon was sighted the same day in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and several other countries.
โThis clearly shows that science can be miscalculated,โ he said, adding, โAs Allah wills, what is meant to happen will happen. That is why Shariโah must remain the foundation.โ
Prof. Alaro further explained that individual scholars or clerics (Alfas) do not possess the authority to announce the commencement or termination of fasting, even when moon sighting has been reported. He stressed that such announcements are the exclusive responsibility of the recognised leadership of the Muslim community.
To buttress his argument, he cited the example of Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who sighted the moon and reported it to the Prophet rather than announcing it himself. At the time, the Prophet served as both the religious authority and the political leader of the Muslim Ummah.
โThis historical example shows the importance Islam places on leadership and order,โ he said. โEven the companions understood that matters affecting the entire Ummah must go through recognised authority.โ
He urged Muslims to strike a balance between embracing scientific advancement and upholding Islamic jurisprudence, warning that sidelining Shariโah in religious matters could lead to confusion and disunity within the Muslim community. WATCH >>
By
@muslimnews_NG
Shariโah and Astronomy: A Knowledge-Based Clarification of the Annual Moon-Sighting Controversy.
Professor AbdurRozzฤq AbdulMajฤซd Alaro ,mni, LL.B, M.A, Ph.D, LL.M, Ph.D, B.L, ACIArb, MCIArb, CIAE, FIFP, FCPA, FNITI, M.IoD, CSA.
Kindly retweet so others can benefit