Regulations for Observing the Crescent of the Beginnings of Lunar Months

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  • Decision No. (143) dated 22/8/1418 AH

  • The Council of Ministers

  • After reviewing the correspondence received from the Diwan of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers No. 8/148 dated 12/3/1418 AH, which includes the letter of His Excellency the Chairman of the Shura Council No. 3/1/109S dated 12/2/1418 AH, referring to the approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques by telegram No. 8347 dated 16/6/1416 AH on the Shura Council's proposal to study the regulation of the sighting of the crescent of the beginning of lunar months, which was previously submitted to the honorable authority. His Excellency clarified that the Shura Council studied this matter and reviewed the decision of the Council of Senior Scholars No.108 dated 2/11/1403 AH regarding the permissibility of utilizing observatories for the sighting of the crescent, and the Shura Council adopted its decision No. 18/5/11 dated 3/2/1418 AH, approving the draft regulation for sighting the crescent of the beginning of lunar months.

  • After considering the Shura Council decision No. 18/5/11 dated 3/2/1418 AH.

  • After reviewing the minutes prepared by the Experts Authority No. 173 dated 4/7/1418 AH.

  • After reviewing the draft regulation for sighting the crescent of the beginning of lunar months.

  • After reviewing the recommendation of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers No. 430 dated 17/7/1418 AH.

  • It is decided

  • To approve the regulation for sighting the crescent of the beginning of lunar months in the attached form.

Article 1

The sighting and observation of the crescent moon is a right for all Muslims.

Article 2

The approved method for the beginning and end of the month is the legal sighting as determined by the Council of Senior Scholars.

Article 3

The Ministry of Interior shall form one or more committees - as needed - in the regions where the crescent moon is likely to be sighted, called the "Committee for the Observation of the Crescent Moon of the Beginning of Lunar Months."

Article 4

  • These committees shall be formed as follows:

    • 1- A representative appointed by the Emirate            as Chairman.

    • 2- A student of knowledge who is not a judge, nominated by the Court          as a member.

    • 3- A representative appointed by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology        as a member.

  • The committee shall seek the assistance of those it deems to have keen insight.

Article 5

The committees, in their scheduled and appropriate times for investigation, follow what is issued by the Supreme Judiciary Council regarding announcements requesting investigation.

Article 6

Each committee selects the most appropriate locations for visibility observation, and in the event that there are observatories affiliated with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology or affiliated with universities, these shall be considered as observation sites, and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the universities shall facilitate this.

Article 7

Taking into consideration what was stated in paragraphs five and six of the Council of Senior Scholars' decision No. 108 dated 2/11/1403 AH; King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology shall provide - when necessary - mobile observatories, and telescopes in locations where fixed observatories are not available.

Article 8

Article 9

The Emirate shall deliver the eyewitness - from the Committee or otherwise - to the nearest town where there is a judge to attest the testimony.

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