* Says technology aids process but cannot replace physical sighting
* Sultan’s announcement central to unity of Nigerian Muslims
A member of Nigeria’s National Moon Sighting Committee, Simwal Usman Jibril has said that the country’s approach to determining the start and end of the Islamic months remains firmly rooted in Shari’ah principles, with modern technology serving only a supportive role; maintaining that technology cannot ultimately replace or serve as a substitute for physical sighting of the crescent.
In an interview with the Muslim News on Tuesday, February 3, Jibril explained that the position upheld by scholars under the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is based on the Prophetic instruction that Muslims should begin and end fasting upon physically sighting the new moon, or complete 30 days if visibility is obstructed.
Quoting a well-known hadith reported in Sahih Muslim (1081), Jibril said the guidance, “Observe fast on sighting it and break (fast) on sighting it, but if the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the number of (thirty) days”, has traditionally been understood by the majority of Islamic scholars to mean actual physical sighting with the naked eye, rather than reliance solely on astronomical calculations or optical devices.
According to him, there is currently no binding fatwa from the recognised Ulama committee in Nigeria that permits the exclusive use of calculations or technological tools to replace physical moon sighting. As a result, modern technology is used only to support the process by assessing visibility and likelihood, but it is not treated as decisive evidence, even when astronomical conjunction has occurred.
Jibril further outlined how moon sighting is conducted in Nigeria, stressing that the exercise is not limited to Ramadan alone.
He said the National Moon Sighting Committee carries out physical moon sighting every month across the 12 lunar months, deploys trained observers in different regions of the country, verifies sighting claims, and cross-checks reports against known astronomical possibilities before submitting confirmed findings for an official announcement.
“This consistent monthly process shows that moon sighting in Nigeria follows the continuous movement of the lunar calendar and is not treated as a seasonal or Ramadan-only exercise,” he noted.
Unity of the Ummah is paramount
Beyond methodology, Jibril emphasised the importance of unity and obedience to legitimate Muslim leadership in matters of public worship.
He explained that in Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, who also serves as the President-General of the NSCIA, is the recognised authority on moon sighting, and aligning with his announcement falls within the Islamic principle of obedience in lawful and beneficial matters.
He said adherence to this process helps preserve unity among Muslims, prevents confusion and division within families and communities, and maintains order in collective acts of worship, such as fasting and the celebration of Eid.
While acknowledging that scholarly differences on moon sighting exist globally, Jibril stressed that public and social unity should take precedence or differences on jurisprudence and trivial matters when an established Shariah-based process is in place.
He advised Muslims to trust the recognised system, respect scholarly authority and leadership, and avoid actions that could lead to divisions or confusion.
According to him, unity itself is a form of worship, and while differences may be discussed with knowledge, wisdom and proper conduct, religious practice should align with recognised authority for the sake of cohesion and harmony within the Ummah.
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