Reconciling Scientific, Naked Eye Sightings, and Ritual

As-Salaam Alaikum,

Today with the advancement of science we are able to reconcile the differences between sighting the new crescent with the naked eye and relying upon science, i.e., scientific calculations.

We can now scientifically calculate within a certain threshold the visibility of the new crescent in the United States. Not all of the states will be able to see the new crescent on the same day; however we use the borders of the United States as our mark of local demarcation. That is, if the new crescent is sighted in any part of the United States we will begin the fast that night.

To verify by giving consistency and compatibility to both methods we can go outside and actually see the new crescent with the naked eye in those States where it’s possible.

The other aspect of the Ramadan fast is that of a religious ritual. Let us know that ritual and science may not always agree. Whereas it is not the reality of science that we are always seeking in the ritual but the symbolic messages in the ritual will lead us to the reality. The custom of keeping the ritual as part of the social life helps preserve the knowledge of truths which escape us. For example, when we perform wudu it is not an actual scientific cleansing or purification of filth and germs from the body. However, it is a symbolic act that addresses a higher form of cleansing; a moral cleansing that brings about enlightenment.

So, what I have introduced without compromising the Qur’an, The saying of the Prophet (pbuh), the teaching of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, and science is that we accept the iddat (prescribed period) of fasting to be counted as 30 nights. When performing the ritual, and making the analogy of its implication on a higher level, we will maintain the knowledge and consistency that will translate into a higher social unity than that of bodily intermingling.

Whereas in the first rebirth, resurrection or return to the original nature, the symbolic message is that this birth occurs in the 9th month. Also 30 would represent the 3 veils of darkness that we must come through to realize this birth. See how the month is divided into 3 sets of 10 nights and how Allah divides the process in the development of the womb into 3 periods of 3 months each.

And the second 10 nights spoken of is the return or second resurrection of coming into a greater light (Adha) of creation or becoming conscious, an intellectual awareness of applying what G-d wants in us. Whereas 10 being the symbol of consciousness.
40 nights completes the development, a sign of man’s maturity where he is now guided by the revelation of G-d, not by nature.

Therefore, we began the fast on the night of August 21st. The first day of fasting will be August 22nd. And the Eid will be September 20th.

Thank you for reading this article.

Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I. Director
muslimamericanlogic.com