Source: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1
Just as written communication may contain errors, identifying voices over the phone can also be challenging.
However, just like external verification and corroborative evidence help establish the accuracy of written statements, phone-based information can also be authenticated using similar means.
✔ Or if the caller’s voice is recognized, confirming their identity,
Then, it can be assumed with strong likelihood that the information is reliable.
In worldly matters, we regularly rely on such forms of indirect verification.
However, in cases where formal testimony (شہادت) is required:
☛ Presence of the witness in person is necessary.
☛ A proper process should be followed, such as the local sighting committee or judicial authority receiving the testimony in person,
and then informing the central moon sighting committee via phone.
The correct method is:
① The central moon sighting committee should establish district or sub-district level committees.
② If someone claims to have sighted the moon, they should appear before these committees with witnesses.
③ The committee will verify the claim and notify the central committee via phone.
④ This notification is not considered legal testimony, but a report for consideration.
as this is equivalent to sharing news, just like through TV or radio.
✔ However, this does not constitute formal testimony.
Hence, the use of phones for moon sighting communication is valid,
but the process must ensure proper verification at the local level before conveying the information to central authorities.
❖ Question:
What is the ruling on announcing the moon sighting based on testimony or information received via phone from another city?❖ Answer:
Receiving moon sighting information via mobile phone is considered permissible, as a telephone call can be regarded similar to written documentation.Just as written communication may contain errors, identifying voices over the phone can also be challenging.
However, just like external verification and corroborative evidence help establish the accuracy of written statements, phone-based information can also be authenticated using similar means.
❖ Conditions for Acceptable Phone-Based Information:
✔ If a person is pre-designated to report the moon sighting and delivers the message at the agreed time,✔ Or if the caller’s voice is recognized, confirming their identity,
Then, it can be assumed with strong likelihood that the information is reliable.
In worldly matters, we regularly rely on such forms of indirect verification.
❖ Distinction Between News and Testimony:
Matters related to news and information can be accepted based on phone communication.However, in cases where formal testimony (شہادت) is required:
☛ Presence of the witness in person is necessary.
☛ A proper process should be followed, such as the local sighting committee or judicial authority receiving the testimony in person,
and then informing the central moon sighting committee via phone.
❖ Phone Reports Are Not Legal Testimony:
Phone-based information is considered a report (خبر) and not formal legal testimony (شہادت).The correct method is:
① The central moon sighting committee should establish district or sub-district level committees.
② If someone claims to have sighted the moon, they should appear before these committees with witnesses.
③ The committee will verify the claim and notify the central committee via phone.
④ This notification is not considered legal testimony, but a report for consideration.
❖ Conclusion:
✔ It is permissible to convey moon sighting information via phone,as this is equivalent to sharing news, just like through TV or radio.
✔ However, this does not constitute formal testimony.
Hence, the use of phones for moon sighting communication is valid,
but the process must ensure proper verification at the local level before conveying the information to central authorities.
