This excerpt is taken from the book "Ru'yat al-Hilal" by Fadhilat al-Shaykh Maqsood al-Hassan Faizi.
Horizon is a noun derived from the root "to rise." The meanings of "to rise" include to emerge, to appear, and to become evident. Thus, the meaning of horizon is the place of rising. In this context, the place where the moon and sun rise is referred to as the horizon.
By horizon, we mean the place where the new moon appears towards the west one or two days after it has hidden in the east. Understand this in such a way that in all locations situated on the same longitude, the sun and moon will rise at the same time and set at the same time. For example, Hyderabad Sindh, Kabul, and Tashkent are approximately at 68 degrees east longitude. If the sun rises in Hyderabad Sindh at 4:22 AM, it will also rise at the same time in Kabul and Tashkent. Similarly, if the moon is sighted in Tashkent after sunset, it should certainly be visible in these locations, provided that clouds or atmospheric pollution do not obstruct it. Therefore, we can say that the horizon of Hyderabad Sindh, Kabul, and Tashkent is the same.
This can be further clarified as follows: if location (A) is situated exactly 180 degrees west of location (B), meaning if the longitude of location (B) is 75 degrees east, then location (A) is at 180 degrees west. So, on March 23 or December 23, when the sun rises in location (B), it will be setting in location (A), and night will begin there, indicating that the horizons of location (B) and location (A) are completely different from each other.
The difference of horizons in the context of moon sighting is a reality agreed upon by scholars of religion and astronomers. All scholars agree that just as there is a difference in the rising and setting of the sun from one city to another, there is also a difference in the rising and non-rising of the new moon.
Geographers have divided the Earth into lines of longitude and latitude to clarify the difference between distance and proximity, to define the distance between two countries, to locate places on the Earth's surface, and to determine times in various countries of the world. The line that runs from north to south is called the line of longitude, while the line that runs from east to west is called the line of latitude. The center of this line is designated as the famous town of Greenwich in London. Cities located east of London are said to be situated at a certain degree of east longitude, while those to the west are said to be at a certain degree of west longitude. To understand the reality of the horizon, it is essential to comprehend longitude and latitude. Although this is not the occasion for detailed explanation, it should be noted that if two cities are located at the same or nearly the same longitude, the effect of the difference in horizon does not occur despite the long distance between them. For example, Madras and Kashmir, or Riyadh and Moscow, are almost on the same longitude, hence there is no difference in the observation of the sun and moon between them. Conversely, if two cities are located on the same latitude, there may be a difference in the horizon. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this point in mind when discussing the sighting of the moon. To clarify this issue, we will quote an excerpt from a lengthy article by Maulana Muhammad Yahya Azmi. This lengthy article is found in Fatawa Thanaiah, Volume 1, Book of Fasting. We will only quote the part related to the sighting and the difference in horizons. Maulana writes:
Now observe the condition of the moon at the time of the sighting; how fine and close it is to the sun, then on the evening of the next day, you will see it somewhat larger and further towards the east. Then on the third day, it will appear even larger and more distant towards the east. The fact is that as the moon moves away from the sun, its illuminated part turns towards us. Keep observing until the fourteenth night, and sometimes on the thirteenth or fifteenth night, the moon will be directly opposite the sun towards the east at 180 degrees, that is, at half the distance of the celestial sphere. If the sun is hiding its head in the western horizon, the moon is casting its luminous rays upon us from the eastern horizon. It is as if there is a direct opposition. In this state of completion, we call the moon a full moon or a complete month. At this time, the entire illuminated part of the moon is fully visible to us. It should be clear that during this state of completion, if the moon, Earth, and sun align in a straight line, a lunar eclipse will occur. After that, it gradually begins to approach the sun, and we see it diminishing. The same principle applies here, but in reverse, because as the moon continues to get closer to the sun, its illuminated part turns away from our view. Until on the 28th or 29th night, it approaches within 12 degrees of the sun and becomes completely invisible to our eyes for two nights, sometimes one night, or three nights. This conjunction is called the new moon or crescent. In this state, the illuminated half of the moon faces the sun, while the dark half is towards us. It should be noted that during this conjunction, if the moon and sun come so close that our line of sight passes directly from the moon to the sun, a solar eclipse will occur. Remember, during this new moon phase, which lasts on average 47 hours and 16 minutes, there is a specific moment when the moon and sun must be on the same line of longitude, in other words, on the same meridian, and that moment is when 23 hours and 38 minutes have passed since the beginning of the new moon. Now, start calculating the sighting of the moon from here.
Suppose that when the sun sets in the horizon of Azamgarh, which is located at 83 degrees 13 minutes longitude, at 6 o'clock, and just before 6:22 and a few seconds, there is a real conjunction between the moon and the sun, both being on the same line of longitude. Then they continue to move throughout the night and day until after 23 hours and 38 minutes, that is, just before 6 o'clock, the moon reaches 12 degrees east of the sun and adorns itself with the attire of visibility. This is the first moment when the moon appears as a crescent in the first sky, and all of humanity's eyes long to see it. If clouds, dust, fog, and other obstacles do not prevent visibility, then there is no reason why this tiny crescent should not be visible to us.
Consider this: this is the horizon of Azamgarh. Now, all the people living to the west of Azamgarh, in Karachi, Makkah, Cairo, Tunis, and the Canary Islands, will undoubtedly see the crescent from their respective horizons, provided there are no obstacles. The difference is that if we see the crescent at 4 o'clock at sunset in Azamgarh, then in Karachi it will be seen at 7:05, in Makkah at 8:52, in Cairo at 4:27, in Tunis (Africa) at 10:52, and in the Canary Islands (West Africa) at 12:45 (midnight has already passed in Azamgarh). However, relatively western cities will see the crescent larger and further from the sun than those in the east. Now, since the crescent is present in the sky, if the inhabitants of the aforementioned cities manage to see the moon during the day with their keen eyesight, it would not be surprising, but it is indeed very difficult for them.
Now, moving further ahead, you will see that in New York (USA) at 4:29 and in Washington (USA) at 7:33 (the sun has already risen in Azamgarh), the crescent will be visible at sunset. However, their crescent will be larger and even further from the sun than those in the Canary Islands. If they manage to see the crescent during the day, it would not be impossible, but it is also difficult.
Now, from here, also resolve the issue that the sighting of the crescent is possible both before and after noon. Because during these times, the crescent is present in the sky, and it is evident that it is the crescent of the coming night.
Now, moving further past America, in Tokyo (Japan) at 2:14 (it is afternoon in Azamgarh), and further ahead in Burma at 5:05 (there are 55 minutes left until sunset in Azamgarh), the sun will set. At that time, the crescent will be visible there. And their crescent will be quite large and at a considerable distance from the sun. These are the people who can easily see the crescent during the day, especially the inhabitants of Burma, as their crescent will be the largest and at a considerable distance (approximately 23.75 degrees) from the sun. However, it is also evident that this crescent is the crescent of the coming night. But when the people of Burma see the crescent at sunset, some say it is from yesterday, and others think it is from the day before. May peace be upon the Prophet ﷺ, who said: "No, no, you are mistaken; this is indeed today's crescent."
عن أبى البختري قال خرجنا للعمرة فلما نزلنا ببطن نخلة قال تراءينا الهلال فقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ثلاث وقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ليلتين، قال: فلقينا ابن عباس فقلنا إنا رأينا الهلال فقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ثلاث وقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ليلتين، فقال: أى ليلة رأيتموه، قال فقلنا ليلة كذا وكذا فقال: إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مده للروية فهو لليلة رأيتموه
It is narrated from Abu al-Bakhtari رحمه الله (a Tabi'i) that he said: "We set out for Umrah, and when we descended into the valley of Nakhlah, we saw the moon. Some people said it was the moon of the third night, and others said it was the moon of two nights. Then we met Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه, and we told him that we saw the moon; some say it is the moon of the third date, and some say it is the moon of the second date. Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه said: 'On which night did you see the moon?' We replied: 'On such and such night.' He said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah has made it visible for you; indeed, it is the moon of the night you saw it.'
The conclusion is that when the crescent has appeared at the designated time on the horizon of Azamgarh, then no country, city, or settlement to the west of it will be such that the crescent is not present on its horizon. It is another matter that the inhabitants there may not see it due to temporary obstacles; this is called the difference in sighting. If a valid proof of the crescent is obtained, then the Shari'ah ruling will be enforced; otherwise, it will not. There is no disagreement in this. It has also been established that the sighting of the people of the east provides definite proof of the crescent for all the people of the west. Therefore, if valid evidence of the crescent is obtained from the east, then undoubtedly, the Shari'ah rulings will be enforced. It has also been understood that the size of the crescent does not matter, whether it is 29 or 30.
Now we want to explain the discussion of the difference in horizons. So start the calculation from there, while the crescent appeared on the horizon of Azamgarh just before 6 o'clock, 12 degrees away from the sun, reaching the crescent shape. Now, move east from Azamgarh but not more than 12 degrees, such as Patna, Bhagalpur, Dhaka, Sylhet, Manipur (Assam). When the crescent appeared in Azamgarh, it is above the horizon for all the inhabitants of these cities. Due to their proximity to the horizon, they will not be able to see it. Manipur is the farthest among these cities, located 10 degrees and 45 minutes away from Azamgarh. Their crescent will be so close to the horizon that it will set just 5 minutes before it disappears. If the inhabitants of these cities receive valid proof of the crescent, then the Shari'ah rulings will be enforced. This ruling will apply based on our approximate 12-degree visibility from Azamgarh to 12 degrees east.
Now, step onto the thirteenth degree, exceeding 12 degrees. Since the crescent is 12 degrees high in Azamgarh and you have moved to the thirteenth degree east, the moon will be below your horizon as soon as it reaches the visibility arc. For example, take the city of Burma, which is at 97 degrees longitude and 13 degrees and 47 minutes east of Azamgarh. When the crescent appeared on the horizon of Azamgarh, it had already descended 1 degree and 47 minutes below the horizon of Burma. Thus, for the inhabitants of Burma, the sighting of the crescent is impossible from any eye or observation. This is the essence of the difference in horizons. The crescent is visible on the horizon of Azamgarh, while the horizon of the people of Burma is devoid of the crescent. No matter how far east you go (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Washington), the sighting of the crescent will not be possible for anyone because their horizons are devoid of the crescent.
From here, it is also clear that the sighting of the people of the west does not necessarily prove the crescent for all the people of the east. Rather, this ruling can only be definitively applied up to 12 degrees east (our approximate visibility arc), and not beyond that. It has also been understood that an average distance of 12 degrees (our approximate visibility arc) is necessary to investigate the difference in horizons, which is 833 miles.
An important question in the context of the difference in horizons remains: on what basis should the limits of the difference in horizons be determined? Is there a criterion that can be presented to scholars or authorities? If it is said that the horizon will be considered for sighting, then a difficulty arises that not every person, scholar, or ruler knows what the limit of the horizon is at the place where the proof of the crescent has been established. Therefore, it is essential to bring this matter under some regulation so that whenever proof of the crescent is established in any place, the people there or at least the scholars residing nearby can understand that the sighting from a certain area is valid for certain regions, and not for others.
In this regard, my opinion is that in each country, a resolution should be passed with the consultation of scholars and experts, and this information should be conveyed to the responsible individuals at various centers. Fortunately, our land of Hindustan is not devoid of such thoughtful individuals.
Currently, I present two acceptable opinions before you. In light of these, scholars can reach a consensus, and these two opinions are in addition to what was mentioned in Maulana Azmi's statement, thus presenting a total of three scenarios. It should be noted that this topic has been repeatedly discussed in the committee "Islamic Fiqh Academy" working under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, from which substantial benefit can be derived.
First Opinion: In the second session of the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latif Al-Furfour presented a lengthy paper regarding the difference in horizons and its legal status, in which he concluded that the entire world should be divided into three major zones, and the sighting in each zone should be considered valid for the entire area.
① The continent of America is one zone, which includes South America, North America, Canada, Brazil, and all the islands in that region.
② From the far west to the Arabian Peninsula is one zone, which includes the Levant, Egypt, Sudan, and all surrounding areas.
③ From the Arabian Gulf to Japan is one zone, which includes Japan and its surrounding islands.
Second Opinion: Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani رحمه الله, while discussing this topic under the title "Limits of the Horizon," writes: "Now we need to see what the limits of the surrounding area are according to the science of astronomy. If the moon is shining directly above us, we consider it to be at a height of 90 degrees. This moon has traveled from the western horizon to the halfway point of the sky in seven days. Thus, it has covered a distance of 90 degrees in seven days. Since a spherical object is assigned 360 degrees, the distance of the moon in degrees in the sky and our line of sight is essentially the same thing."
In the same way, the situation regarding the degrees of longitude is similar. All cities or countries located on the same longitude have the same horizon for both the moon and the sun. When we say that at location (A) the crescent was observed at an angle of 81 degrees, the following conclusions can be drawn:
① This crescent will set one hour and 15 minutes after sunset, and due to twilight, it can only be seen after the Maghrib prayer.
② In the west, the horizon of this moon is unlimited, and its visibility in western locations is certainly guaranteed.
③ In the east, its horizon will extend an additional 13 degrees of eastern longitude, as a 13-degree crescent is not visible.
At a location (B) situated 5 degrees east, this moon will be visible, and the direct distance of 5 degrees of longitude east-west will be:
A: At the equator, it will be 5 × 69.5 miles = 346 miles directly east.
B: At the Tropic of Cancer, it will be 67 × 5 = 335 miles directly east.
C: At approximately 66.5 degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer, it will be about 5 × 46 = 230 miles directly east.
D: At locations above 66.5 degrees, the visibility of the crescent is significantly affected.
This distance can be considered as the limit of a horizon. It includes both the distance where people have seen the new moon and the distance where people can see it.
There is considerable disagreement among the sayings of the Salaf regarding the limits of the horizon. However, the determination of longitude and the establishment of standard time according to it have resolved this issue to a significant extent. In several Islamic countries, the entire country operates on the same standard time, even if its distance exceeds 15 degrees of longitude. For example, Saudi Arabia spans from 35 degrees to 56 degrees longitude, but the standard time across the country is the same, which is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. For the sighting of the crescent, the government appoints a committee that announces the sighting of the crescent after verifying testimonies, and this is declared as the sighting for the entire country. This means that the government has established a single horizon for the entire country, thereby eliminating differences.
A similar situation exists in India, which spans from 70 to 89 degrees longitude, that is, 19 degrees. There, too, there is a single standard time, and the sighting is considered the same for the entire country. However, there are some countries that are spread over a vast number of degrees, such as China, Russia, and Canada. In their various regions, the standard times are also different, as are the horizons.
Chapter: 2
Definition of Horizon
Horizon is a noun derived from the root "to rise." The meanings of "to rise" include to emerge, to appear, and to become evident. Thus, the meaning of horizon is the place of rising. In this context, the place where the moon and sun rise is referred to as the horizon.
By horizon, we mean the place where the new moon appears towards the west one or two days after it has hidden in the east. Understand this in such a way that in all locations situated on the same longitude, the sun and moon will rise at the same time and set at the same time. For example, Hyderabad Sindh, Kabul, and Tashkent are approximately at 68 degrees east longitude. If the sun rises in Hyderabad Sindh at 4:22 AM, it will also rise at the same time in Kabul and Tashkent. Similarly, if the moon is sighted in Tashkent after sunset, it should certainly be visible in these locations, provided that clouds or atmospheric pollution do not obstruct it. Therefore, we can say that the horizon of Hyderabad Sindh, Kabul, and Tashkent is the same.
This can be further clarified as follows: if location (A) is situated exactly 180 degrees west of location (B), meaning if the longitude of location (B) is 75 degrees east, then location (A) is at 180 degrees west. So, on March 23 or December 23, when the sun rises in location (B), it will be setting in location (A), and night will begin there, indicating that the horizons of location (B) and location (A) are completely different from each other.
Reference: The sun and moon are calculated, Al-Da'wah Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 12, Page 41.
The Reality of Difference of Horizons:
The difference of horizons in the context of moon sighting is a reality agreed upon by scholars of religion and astronomers. All scholars agree that just as there is a difference in the rising and setting of the sun from one city to another, there is also a difference in the rising and non-rising of the new moon.
Reference: See: Al-Ikhtiyarat Al-Fiqhiyyah, Page 106, Rahmat al-Ummah, Page 194, Tanbih al-Ghafil wa al-Wasnan, Page 104, Irshad Ahl al-Millah, Page 273, Research of the Council of Senior Scholars, Page 33/3.
Why the Difference of Horizons?
Geographers have divided the Earth into lines of longitude and latitude to clarify the difference between distance and proximity, to define the distance between two countries, to locate places on the Earth's surface, and to determine times in various countries of the world. The line that runs from north to south is called the line of longitude, while the line that runs from east to west is called the line of latitude. The center of this line is designated as the famous town of Greenwich in London. Cities located east of London are said to be situated at a certain degree of east longitude, while those to the west are said to be at a certain degree of west longitude. To understand the reality of the horizon, it is essential to comprehend longitude and latitude. Although this is not the occasion for detailed explanation, it should be noted that if two cities are located at the same or nearly the same longitude, the effect of the difference in horizon does not occur despite the long distance between them. For example, Madras and Kashmir, or Riyadh and Moscow, are almost on the same longitude, hence there is no difference in the observation of the sun and moon between them. Conversely, if two cities are located on the same latitude, there may be a difference in the horizon. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this point in mind when discussing the sighting of the moon. To clarify this issue, we will quote an excerpt from a lengthy article by Maulana Muhammad Yahya Azmi. This lengthy article is found in Fatawa Thanaiah, Volume 1, Book of Fasting. We will only quote the part related to the sighting and the difference in horizons. Maulana writes:
Now observe the condition of the moon at the time of the sighting; how fine and close it is to the sun, then on the evening of the next day, you will see it somewhat larger and further towards the east. Then on the third day, it will appear even larger and more distant towards the east. The fact is that as the moon moves away from the sun, its illuminated part turns towards us. Keep observing until the fourteenth night, and sometimes on the thirteenth or fifteenth night, the moon will be directly opposite the sun towards the east at 180 degrees, that is, at half the distance of the celestial sphere. If the sun is hiding its head in the western horizon, the moon is casting its luminous rays upon us from the eastern horizon. It is as if there is a direct opposition. In this state of completion, we call the moon a full moon or a complete month. At this time, the entire illuminated part of the moon is fully visible to us. It should be clear that during this state of completion, if the moon, Earth, and sun align in a straight line, a lunar eclipse will occur. After that, it gradually begins to approach the sun, and we see it diminishing. The same principle applies here, but in reverse, because as the moon continues to get closer to the sun, its illuminated part turns away from our view. Until on the 28th or 29th night, it approaches within 12 degrees of the sun and becomes completely invisible to our eyes for two nights, sometimes one night, or three nights. This conjunction is called the new moon or crescent. In this state, the illuminated half of the moon faces the sun, while the dark half is towards us. It should be noted that during this conjunction, if the moon and sun come so close that our line of sight passes directly from the moon to the sun, a solar eclipse will occur. Remember, during this new moon phase, which lasts on average 47 hours and 16 minutes, there is a specific moment when the moon and sun must be on the same line of longitude, in other words, on the same meridian, and that moment is when 23 hours and 38 minutes have passed since the beginning of the new moon. Now, start calculating the sighting of the moon from here.
Suppose that when the sun sets in the horizon of Azamgarh, which is located at 83 degrees 13 minutes longitude, at 6 o'clock, and just before 6:22 and a few seconds, there is a real conjunction between the moon and the sun, both being on the same line of longitude. Then they continue to move throughout the night and day until after 23 hours and 38 minutes, that is, just before 6 o'clock, the moon reaches 12 degrees east of the sun and adorns itself with the attire of visibility. This is the first moment when the moon appears as a crescent in the first sky, and all of humanity's eyes long to see it. If clouds, dust, fog, and other obstacles do not prevent visibility, then there is no reason why this tiny crescent should not be visible to us.
Consider this: this is the horizon of Azamgarh. Now, all the people living to the west of Azamgarh, in Karachi, Makkah, Cairo, Tunis, and the Canary Islands, will undoubtedly see the crescent from their respective horizons, provided there are no obstacles. The difference is that if we see the crescent at 4 o'clock at sunset in Azamgarh, then in Karachi it will be seen at 7:05, in Makkah at 8:52, in Cairo at 4:27, in Tunis (Africa) at 10:52, and in the Canary Islands (West Africa) at 12:45 (midnight has already passed in Azamgarh). However, relatively western cities will see the crescent larger and further from the sun than those in the east. Now, since the crescent is present in the sky, if the inhabitants of the aforementioned cities manage to see the moon during the day with their keen eyesight, it would not be surprising, but it is indeed very difficult for them.
Now, moving further ahead, you will see that in New York (USA) at 4:29 and in Washington (USA) at 7:33 (the sun has already risen in Azamgarh), the crescent will be visible at sunset. However, their crescent will be larger and even further from the sun than those in the Canary Islands. If they manage to see the crescent during the day, it would not be impossible, but it is also difficult.
Now, from here, also resolve the issue that the sighting of the crescent is possible both before and after noon. Because during these times, the crescent is present in the sky, and it is evident that it is the crescent of the coming night.
Now, moving further past America, in Tokyo (Japan) at 2:14 (it is afternoon in Azamgarh), and further ahead in Burma at 5:05 (there are 55 minutes left until sunset in Azamgarh), the sun will set. At that time, the crescent will be visible there. And their crescent will be quite large and at a considerable distance from the sun. These are the people who can easily see the crescent during the day, especially the inhabitants of Burma, as their crescent will be the largest and at a considerable distance (approximately 23.75 degrees) from the sun. However, it is also evident that this crescent is the crescent of the coming night. But when the people of Burma see the crescent at sunset, some say it is from yesterday, and others think it is from the day before. May peace be upon the Prophet ﷺ, who said: "No, no, you are mistaken; this is indeed today's crescent."
عن أبى البختري قال خرجنا للعمرة فلما نزلنا ببطن نخلة قال تراءينا الهلال فقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ثلاث وقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ليلتين، قال: فلقينا ابن عباس فقلنا إنا رأينا الهلال فقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ثلاث وقال بعض القوم: هو ابن ليلتين، فقال: أى ليلة رأيتموه، قال فقلنا ليلة كذا وكذا فقال: إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مده للروية فهو لليلة رأيتموه
It is narrated from Abu al-Bakhtari رحمه الله (a Tabi'i) that he said: "We set out for Umrah, and when we descended into the valley of Nakhlah, we saw the moon. Some people said it was the moon of the third night, and others said it was the moon of two nights. Then we met Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه, and we told him that we saw the moon; some say it is the moon of the third date, and some say it is the moon of the second date. Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه said: 'On which night did you see the moon?' We replied: 'On such and such night.' He said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah has made it visible for you; indeed, it is the moon of the night you saw it.'
Reference: Sahih Muslim: Volume 1, Page 348, Hadith Number: 1088
The conclusion is that when the crescent has appeared at the designated time on the horizon of Azamgarh, then no country, city, or settlement to the west of it will be such that the crescent is not present on its horizon. It is another matter that the inhabitants there may not see it due to temporary obstacles; this is called the difference in sighting. If a valid proof of the crescent is obtained, then the Shari'ah ruling will be enforced; otherwise, it will not. There is no disagreement in this. It has also been established that the sighting of the people of the east provides definite proof of the crescent for all the people of the west. Therefore, if valid evidence of the crescent is obtained from the east, then undoubtedly, the Shari'ah rulings will be enforced. It has also been understood that the size of the crescent does not matter, whether it is 29 or 30.
Now we want to explain the discussion of the difference in horizons. So start the calculation from there, while the crescent appeared on the horizon of Azamgarh just before 6 o'clock, 12 degrees away from the sun, reaching the crescent shape. Now, move east from Azamgarh but not more than 12 degrees, such as Patna, Bhagalpur, Dhaka, Sylhet, Manipur (Assam). When the crescent appeared in Azamgarh, it is above the horizon for all the inhabitants of these cities. Due to their proximity to the horizon, they will not be able to see it. Manipur is the farthest among these cities, located 10 degrees and 45 minutes away from Azamgarh. Their crescent will be so close to the horizon that it will set just 5 minutes before it disappears. If the inhabitants of these cities receive valid proof of the crescent, then the Shari'ah rulings will be enforced. This ruling will apply based on our approximate 12-degree visibility from Azamgarh to 12 degrees east.
Now, step onto the thirteenth degree, exceeding 12 degrees. Since the crescent is 12 degrees high in Azamgarh and you have moved to the thirteenth degree east, the moon will be below your horizon as soon as it reaches the visibility arc. For example, take the city of Burma, which is at 97 degrees longitude and 13 degrees and 47 minutes east of Azamgarh. When the crescent appeared on the horizon of Azamgarh, it had already descended 1 degree and 47 minutes below the horizon of Burma. Thus, for the inhabitants of Burma, the sighting of the crescent is impossible from any eye or observation. This is the essence of the difference in horizons. The crescent is visible on the horizon of Azamgarh, while the horizon of the people of Burma is devoid of the crescent. No matter how far east you go (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Washington), the sighting of the crescent will not be possible for anyone because their horizons are devoid of the crescent.
From here, it is also clear that the sighting of the people of the west does not necessarily prove the crescent for all the people of the east. Rather, this ruling can only be definitively applied up to 12 degrees east (our approximate visibility arc), and not beyond that. It has also been understood that an average distance of 12 degrees (our approximate visibility arc) is necessary to investigate the difference in horizons, which is 833 miles.
Reference: Fatawa Thanaiah, Volume 1, Page 670 and thereafter.
An important question in the context of the difference in horizons remains: on what basis should the limits of the difference in horizons be determined? Is there a criterion that can be presented to scholars or authorities? If it is said that the horizon will be considered for sighting, then a difficulty arises that not every person, scholar, or ruler knows what the limit of the horizon is at the place where the proof of the crescent has been established. Therefore, it is essential to bring this matter under some regulation so that whenever proof of the crescent is established in any place, the people there or at least the scholars residing nearby can understand that the sighting from a certain area is valid for certain regions, and not for others.
In this regard, my opinion is that in each country, a resolution should be passed with the consultation of scholars and experts, and this information should be conveyed to the responsible individuals at various centers. Fortunately, our land of Hindustan is not devoid of such thoughtful individuals.
Currently, I present two acceptable opinions before you. In light of these, scholars can reach a consensus, and these two opinions are in addition to what was mentioned in Maulana Azmi's statement, thus presenting a total of three scenarios. It should be noted that this topic has been repeatedly discussed in the committee "Islamic Fiqh Academy" working under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, from which substantial benefit can be derived.
First Opinion: In the second session of the Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latif Al-Furfour presented a lengthy paper regarding the difference in horizons and its legal status, in which he concluded that the entire world should be divided into three major zones, and the sighting in each zone should be considered valid for the entire area.
① The continent of America is one zone, which includes South America, North America, Canada, Brazil, and all the islands in that region.
② From the far west to the Arabian Peninsula is one zone, which includes the Levant, Egypt, Sudan, and all surrounding areas.
③ From the Arabian Gulf to Japan is one zone, which includes Japan and its surrounding islands.
Second Opinion: Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani رحمه الله, while discussing this topic under the title "Limits of the Horizon," writes: "Now we need to see what the limits of the surrounding area are according to the science of astronomy. If the moon is shining directly above us, we consider it to be at a height of 90 degrees. This moon has traveled from the western horizon to the halfway point of the sky in seven days. Thus, it has covered a distance of 90 degrees in seven days. Since a spherical object is assigned 360 degrees, the distance of the moon in degrees in the sky and our line of sight is essentially the same thing."
In the same way, the situation regarding the degrees of longitude is similar. All cities or countries located on the same longitude have the same horizon for both the moon and the sun. When we say that at location (A) the crescent was observed at an angle of 81 degrees, the following conclusions can be drawn:
① This crescent will set one hour and 15 minutes after sunset, and due to twilight, it can only be seen after the Maghrib prayer.
② In the west, the horizon of this moon is unlimited, and its visibility in western locations is certainly guaranteed.
③ In the east, its horizon will extend an additional 13 degrees of eastern longitude, as a 13-degree crescent is not visible.
At a location (B) situated 5 degrees east, this moon will be visible, and the direct distance of 5 degrees of longitude east-west will be:
A: At the equator, it will be 5 × 69.5 miles = 346 miles directly east.
B: At the Tropic of Cancer, it will be 67 × 5 = 335 miles directly east.
C: At approximately 66.5 degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer, it will be about 5 × 46 = 230 miles directly east.
D: At locations above 66.5 degrees, the visibility of the crescent is significantly affected.
This distance can be considered as the limit of a horizon. It includes both the distance where people have seen the new moon and the distance where people can see it.
There is considerable disagreement among the sayings of the Salaf regarding the limits of the horizon. However, the determination of longitude and the establishment of standard time according to it have resolved this issue to a significant extent. In several Islamic countries, the entire country operates on the same standard time, even if its distance exceeds 15 degrees of longitude. For example, Saudi Arabia spans from 35 degrees to 56 degrees longitude, but the standard time across the country is the same, which is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. For the sighting of the crescent, the government appoints a committee that announces the sighting of the crescent after verifying testimonies, and this is declared as the sighting for the entire country. This means that the government has established a single horizon for the entire country, thereby eliminating differences.
A similar situation exists in India, which spans from 70 to 89 degrees longitude, that is, 19 degrees. There, too, there is a single standard time, and the sighting is considered the same for the entire country. However, there are some countries that are spread over a vast number of degrees, such as China, Russia, and Canada. In their various regions, the standard times are also different, as are the horizons.
Reference: Al-Shams wal Qamar Bi Hisban, Al-Da'wah Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 12, Page 83.
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