Proof of Crescent Sighting

New Moon
The New Moon phase is defined as the moment when the Moon is almost directly between the Earth and the Sun. At this moment the Moon's dark surface faces the Earth and is completely invisible. The exact date and time of this invisible New Moon is commonly found in Almanacs, diaries and newspapers.


New Crescent Moon
The Islamic month begins with the first visibility of the lunar crescent. This normally occurs some 20 hours after the New Moon.


Proof of Crescent Sighting
The Marja' are unanimous that crescent sighting is proved:

• When one personally sees it.
• By certainty or conviction.
  • For example when many people say that they saw the crescent, or by some other way one becomes convinced about the appearance of the crescent.
• When TWO aa'dil (righteous) male persons stand witness to the fact that they saw the crescent
• When 30 days of a lunar month are completed.

Ayatullah al Uzama Syed Ali al Husaini Seestani further states that:

• The 1st day of any month will not be proved by the verdict of a Mujtahed and it is better to observe precaution. (1740)

• The first of a month will not be proved by the prediction made by the astronomers. However, if a person derives full satisfaction and certitude from their findings, he should act accordingly. (1741)

• If the moon is high up in the sky, or sets late, it is not an indication that the previous night was the first night of the month. Similarly, if there is a halo round it, it is not a proof that the new moon appeared in the previous night. (1742)

• If the first day of the month is proved in a city, it is also proved in other cities if they are united in their horizon. And the meaning of having a common horizon in this matter is that if new moon was sighted in a city, there would be a distinct possibility of sighting it in the other cities, if there were no impediments, like the clouds etc. (1744)