* 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 Shari’ah, 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 moonsighting.
He explained that scientific tools are permissible and useful as aids that can make moonsighting easier and more accurate, but warned against adopting science in a way that replaces Islamic legal principles.
According to Prof. Alaro, “It is allowed to use science and telescopes to aid moonsighting, but it becomes extremism when science is relied upon to the extent that Shari’ah is ignored. We should never attempt to use science to replace Shari’ah.”
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.
“This clearly shows that science can be miscalculated,” he said, adding, “As Allah wills, what is meant to happen will happen. That is why Shari’ah must remain the foundation.”
Prof. Alaro further explained that individual scholars or clerics (Alfas) do not possess the authority to announce the commencement or termination of the Ramadan fast, even when moonsighting 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.
“This historical example shows the importance Islam places on leadership and order,” he said. “Even the companions understood that matters affecting the entire Ummah must go through recognised authority.”
He urged Muslims to strike a balance between embracing scientific advancement and upholding Islamic jurisprudence, warning that sidelining Shari’ah in religious matters could lead to confusion and disunity within the Muslim community. WATCH HERE
By Muslim News Nigeria
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Sponsored
