2nd November 2006


MOON SIGHTING - CLARIFICATION FROM AYATULLAH SISTANI

Following numerous requests for guidance and clarification on the matter of Moon Sighting and Partial Taqlid (Tab'idh), the Hilal Committee of the Islamic Education Board of The World Federation sent the following question directly to Najaf:

Question: Under the notion of Tab'id (Partial Taqlid) can one refer to another Marja' so that Eid can be celebrated on a preferred day?

Reply: Bismihi Ta'ala
Those who do the Taqlid of Agha cannot refer to another (Marja) on the issue of moon sighting.

STAMPED: Office of Ayatullah Sistani – Najaf
29 Ramadhan 1427

The original Farsi question as well as a translation thereof is included with this letter.

The Council of European Jamaats will issue monthly moon sighting guidance based on the fatawa of Ayatullah al-Udhma Syed Ali Sistani, via the CoEJ website .

We pray for the long life of Ayatullah Sistani and for the tawfeeq of the Ummah to follow the guidance of Islam. I wish to also express sincere thanks and appreciation to the scholars of the Hilal Committee that have strived to bring guidance and certainty to this issue over the years - may Allah bless them all and increase their tawfeeq.

Munawer Rattansey

President
Council of European Jamaats

English Translation

BISMIHI TA’ALA

His Eminence Ayatullah al-Udhma Syed Ali al-Husaini Sistani (DZ):

We offer prayers of peace and safety and hope you are in the best of health.

We write to inform you that the majority of the mu’mineen of Europe, particularly the
youth, are fully conversant with your ruling on the issue of moon sighting and the theory
of differing horizons. Your office has repeatedly provided comprehensive guidance on
these issues for which we are very thankful.

However, unfortunately it appears there is a group that has not fully understood your
rulings and believe either that you do allow Ruju’ (permission to refer to another
mujtahid) on the matter of moon sighting, or that the notion of Tab’id (Partial Taqlid -
whereby one can refer to any other mujtahid of equal standing) is valid in this matter.
The proof they present is that one is unable to identify an A’lam Mujtahid (most learned
jurist) and hence the ruling on Tab’id (Partial Taqlid) can be applied and another Marja’
can be followed that has a ruling based on the theory of ‘Unity of Horizons’, and, as a
result, can celebrate Eid al-Fitr on their preferred day.

The youths of our community who have been your muqallidin for the past 14 years are
confused and are requesting your Eminence to provide guidance on this issue.

Question: Under the notion of Tab’id (Partial Taqlid) can one refer to another
Marja’ so that Eid can be celebrated on a preferred day?

Please do not forget us in your duas.

From: Concerned Mu’mineen of Europe

Reply:
Bismihi Ta’ala
Those who do the Taqlid of Agha (DZ) cannot refer to another (Marja) on the issue
of moon sighting.

STAMPED:
Office of Ayatullah Sistani – Najaf
29 Ramadhan 1427

Crescent Sighting - Information