In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, Companions, and true followers. 

The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) congratulates all Muslims, in and outside of the United States, on the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. We ask Allah to conclude Ramadan for them with His pleasure and to spare them from hellfire.

Firstly, we want to clarify again AMJA’s position with regard to moon sighting. We adopt the global sighting position, not local sighting, and we take into consideration definite calculations only in terms of negating sighting, not affirming sighting. However, due to the difficulty of waiting for the sightings in western regions, AMJA believes that it is permissible for communities in different time zones to act upon their own sightings and the sightings of countries to the east of them. This way, once isha’ has begun for them they will know what their situation is and can prepare for the next day.

Based on this, those in eastern regions are not obliged to wait for the sightings of western regions, but if they can wait then they may wait. AMJA reiterates that the unity of people in fasting and breaking the fast is an important matter intended by the Legislator; this is especially so for people in the same city. Therefore, whenever the majority in a community adopts a legal position, the rest of the community should follow them, so as to be united and not divided. This is regardless of whether that position is based upon moon sighting or calculations.

According to the information that we have, it will be easy to see the new moon’s crescent in the US and some places in the world on Thursday. The Assembly will follow the news of sightings on Thursday and will announce any confirmed sightings right away. If it is not seen, the final announcement will be made after the setting of the sun on the west coast on Thursday, since it would be too difficult for communities to wait longer than that. Again, AMJA emphasizes that other time zones do not have to wait for this final announcement.

We ask Allah to allow us to experience many more Ramadans, to accept our worship, and to forgive our sins.