Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
According to Islamic teachings, Muslims should follow the collective decision of their local community (jama`ah) rather than individual reports or moon sightings from other countries. This preserves unity and prevents confusion during Ramadan and Eid.
In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states,
The Eagerness to Begin Ramadan Fasting
It is no wonder that Muslims all over the world are yearning to see the new moon of Ramadan in order to start fasting the blessed month. Muslims are required to demonstrate remarkable unity and they should try to unify themselves as regards such occasions.
Striving for Unity in Islamic Practices
Muslims should strive their best to achieve their unity in all aspects, not only in the beginning and end of Ramadan and celebrating the `Eids. It is against the spirit of Islam to see Muslims in the same country divided in their rituals and their Islamic dates and events. It is not acceptable at all for Muslims in a single community to divide over the beginning and end of Ramadan. Members of the same community should be united on this, and imams of the mosques should observe unity in the beginning and end of the fasting.
Follow Collective Leadership, Not Individual Preference
Individuals, however, must never take this issue in their own hands; rather they must abide by the decisions of the collective leadership. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised us to follow the jama`ah (Muslim community), so we must not divide Muslims on this issue based on our own individual preferences.
Who Makes the Decision on Fasting?
The decision to begin or end the fast must be made by the community in each region; individuals by themselves cannot choose to follow the moon sighting in different parts of the world. It is up to the community to choose one of the authentic views we have on this issue: to act by the sighting in any region, or to insist on sighting the moon in each region separately.
The Shari`ah View on Moon Sighting
The first view is more in conformity with the accepted principles and objectives of the Shariah than the second one, and yet the decision which of the options must be followed must be taken by the community as a collective body and not by individuals tuning onto radios or receiving e-mails.
The Prophetic Command to Follow the Community
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Fast with people and celebrate the `Eid with people.” (Reported by Muslim) It is clear from the above that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wants us to celebrate these events as a community, for such events have the purpose of fostering the community and unity above all else.
Abide by Local Jama`ah Decisions
So, we are to abide by the decisions of the jama`ah in our area. That is the only way to avoid confusion and chaos. May Allah help us all to act with wisdom and understanding, amen.
Explore the fatwas below for greater understanding:
- Which Moon Sighting to Follow: Makkah or North America?
- What Moon Sighting for Ramadan Should Muslims in the West Follow?
- Can the New Moon of Ramadan Unite Muslims?
- Why Are There Differences on When Ramadan Begins?
- Can Muslims Start Ramadan On Different Dates?
- Should the New Moon for Ramadan Be Sighted or Calculated?
Allah Almighty knows best.