| Date for Sighting |
- Observes on the 29th of the lunar month after sunset.
- If not sighted locally but possible (Imkanu-Ru’yat), attempts are made in Toronto.
- If unsuccessful, accepts sightings from North America within ±1.5 hours of Toronto time.
- Shifts to the 30th if no sighting is confirmed regionally.
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- Observes the 29th evening globally for moon sighting.
- Official declaration made after confirmation of sighting reports.
- No specific regional limitation, relies on global visibility.
- Aims to align Canadian Muslims with international dates.
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- Observes the 29th evening, considered the eve of the 30th, globally.
- Focuses on worldwide sighting efforts to determine the new month.
- Encourages Canadian participation but accepts global reports.
- Finalizes after receiving reliable international confirmations.
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- Primarily relies on astronomical calculations for moon sighting dates.
- Announced well in advance, often months ahead, based on predictions.
- Sightings are secondary, used only to confirm pre-calculated dates.
- Focuses on consistent timing across North America.
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- Observes the 29th evening based on sightings within their defined Matla.
- Aims for same-day results within their regional scope.
- Moves to the 30th if no clear sighting is reported in the Matla.
- Follows traditional Islamic timing practices.
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- Guides members to follow local masajid decisions, typically 29th evening.
- May incorporate astronomical forecasts as part of Shura Council alignment.
- Encourages local sighting but accepts broader North American reports.
- Flexible to extend to the 30th if local sightings differ.
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- Observes the 29th evening specifically in North America.
- New month starts the next day if sighted successfully.
- Completes 30 days of the current month if no sighting is confirmed.
- Focuses on same-day reports from North American sub-committees.
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| Accepted Locations |
- Accepts sightings from Canada, North America, Caribbean, and South America.
- Limited to areas within ±1.5 hours of Toronto’s time zone.
- Focuses on uniting local and regional Muslim communities.
- Excludes faraway sightings outside this time range for consistency.
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- Accepts sightings globally from any country with reliable information.
- No geographic restriction, prioritizing global unity for Canadian Muslims.
- Considers reports from diverse regions if verified by credible sources.
- Aims to synchronize Canada with international Islamic calendar dates.
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- Accepts sightings worldwide, from any country reporting the moon.
- Especially values Muslim-majority regions for their sighting efforts.
- Works with global Islamic groups to achieve widespread agreement.
- Seeks to align Canadian Muslims with the global Muslim community.
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- Considers global locations where astronomical calculations predict visibility.
- Places a strong emphasis on North American sightings for practical unity.
- Rejects reports from areas where calculations deem sighting unlikely.
- Focuses on scientifically feasible regions to maintain accuracy.
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- Accepts sightings from North America, South America, Latin America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
- Defines a broad Matla sharing similar time zones for consistency.
- Avoids distant regions outside this Matla to maintain regional focus.
- Coordinates with local mosques and organizations within this area.
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- Encourages local sightings as the primary method for communities.
- Accepts North American reports if aligned with Shura Council’s astronomy.
- Focuses on uniting the continent through local masajid decisions.
- Flexible to broader reports if they match scientific predictions.
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- Limits sightings to North America, specifically USA and Canada.
- Relies on local sub-committees across these regions for reports.
- Aims for continent-wide unity among North American Muslims.
- Excludes global sightings outside this scope for regional coherence.
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| Naked Eye vs Optical Aid |
- Requires naked eye sightings only, no tools like telescopes allowed.
- Follows traditional Islamic practice as per Sunnah and hadith.
- Rejects sightings made with optical equipment for authenticity.
- Emphasizes simplicity and adherence to historical methods.
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- Accepts both naked eye sightings and those using optical aids like telescopes.
- Balances prophetic tradition with modern tools for broader reach.
- Allows flexibility to ensure reliability of global reports.
- Considers optical aids valid if reported by credible sources.
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- Allows both naked eye and optical aids for moon sighting reports.
- Prefers naked eye but accepts aids as part of global standards.
- Balances tradition with practicality to accommodate diverse regions.
- Ensures sightings are reliable regardless of method used.
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- Not primarily relevant as calculations are the main method.
- Permits both naked eye and optical aids if sightings are considered.
- Focuses on scientific alignment rather than sighting method.
- Accepts aided sightings only if they match pre-calculated predictions.
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- Likely requires naked eye sightings only, though not explicitly stated.
- Follows traditional Islamic practice inferred from hadith references.
- No mention of optical aids, suggesting a preference for simplicity.
- Maintains historical standards within their Matla region.
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- Accepts both naked eye and optical aids if local communities use them.
- Method is less critical than alignment with astronomical predictions.
- Defers to local masajid practices as part of Shura Council flexibility.
- Prioritizes community agreement over specific sighting tools.
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- Strictly requires naked eye sightings, no optical aids permitted.
- Adheres to traditional Islamic practice per Sunnah guidelines.
- Rejects use of tools like telescopes to maintain historical authenticity.
- Emphasizes direct observation by sub-committee members.
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| Acceptance of Testimony |
- Requires trusted, verified witnesses for all sighting reports.
- Big group (Jamm al ghafir) needed if horizon is clear for Ramadan and Shaban.
- Two witnesses if cloudy for Ramadan, one for Shaban if cloudy, per FAQ.
- All reports reviewed and confirmed by the committee, rejecting unverified claims.
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- Relies on verified sighting reports from global sources.
- Requires minimum two witnesses for remote areas if horizon is clear.
- Final decision made by HCC scholars after thorough review.
- Ensures credibility of international testimonies for Canadian application.
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- Accepts testimony from reliable Muslim organizations or committees globally.
- Includes judiciary councils or trusted groups reporting sightings.
- Verifies reports through international partnerships for accuracy.
- Ensures dependable sources to maintain global consistency.
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- Takes verified sighting reports only if they match astronomical calculations.
- Uses predictions as the primary basis if reports are unclear or absent.
- Prioritizes scientific data over unverified or conflicting testimonies.
- Requires reliability and alignment with pre-set criteria.
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- Accepts testimony from local mosques and organizations within their Matla.
- Implies at least two witnesses based on traditional standards, though not explicit.
- Coordinates regionally to verify reports from trusted sources.
- Rejects uncertain or conflicting testimonies outside the Matla.
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- Defers to local masajid decisions for accepting sighting testimonies.
- Requires reliable sources if sightings are considered beyond local scope.
- Aligns with Shura Council’s preference for verified reports matching astronomy.
- Favors local consensus over unverified individual claims.
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- Requires reports from trusted sub-committee members across North America.
- Needs multiple confirmed sightings to ensure reliability.
- Bases decisions on verified testimonies from designated observers.
- Rejects unconfirmed or solitary reports for accuracy.
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| Role of Astronomy |
- Supports sightings by verifying if they are possible (Imkanu-Ru’yat).
- Declines sightings inconsistent with astronomical data, e.g., moon too low.
- Does not decide the date; actual sighting remains the final authority.
- Uses science as a filter to ensure reliability of reports.
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- Uses astronomical data as a guide to inform possible sighting dates.
- Publishes visibility maps to prepare communities for observation.
- Sighting remains the official basis for declaring the new month.
- Combines science with tradition for a balanced approach.
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- Utilizes astronomy to guide planning and inform possible sighting dates.
- Provides visibility predictions to aid global observation efforts.
- Confirms dates with actual sightings, not solely astronomical data.
- Blends scientific tools with traditional sighting methods.
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- Primary method for determining dates, using 8° elongation and 5° altitude.
- Overrides sightings that don’t align with calculated predictions.
- Relies on scientific rules to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Minimizes reliance on variable sighting reports.
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- Likely uses astronomy to support sightings, though not explicitly stated.
- Confirms if sightings are possible within their Matla, inferred from practice.
- Focuses on traditional sighting methods over scientific determination.
- Science aids but does not control the final decision.
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- Uses astronomy to align with local masajid decisions, per Shura Council.
- Helps ensure consistency with North American predictions.
- Sightings remain significant but are secondary to community consensus.
- Balances scientific guidance with local traditional practices.
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- Checks if sightings are possible using astronomical data.
- Eliminates false or impossible reports, e.g., moon below horizon.
- Requires actual sightings for the final decision, not just calculations.
- Prioritizes traditional observation over scientific prediction.
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| Scientific Impossibility |
- Rejects sightings astronomy deems impossible, e.g., moon below horizon.
- Uses scientific data to catch errors or inconsistencies in reports.
- Requires basic proof that a sighting is feasible within their region.
- Ensures credibility by filtering out implausible claims.
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- Rejects sightings if clearly impossible per astronomical visibility maps.
- Considers scientific data to inform the plausibility of global reports.
- Accepts sightings unless proven unfeasible by science.
- Maintains balance between tradition and scientific verification.
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- Likely checks sightings with astronomical data, though not explicit.
- Confirms global reports using visibility predictions as a guide.
- May tolerate small discrepancies if from reliable sources.
- Focuses on practical alignment rather than strict rejection.
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- Rejects sightings that contradict astronomical facts or calculations.
- Adheres to strict scientific rules like elongation and altitude.
- Ensures all dates align with pre-determined predictions.
- Prioritizes scientific consistency over variable reports.
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- Assumes sightings are possible within their Matla, not explicitly stated.
- Likely dismisses reports science proves wrong, inferred from practice.
- Uses astronomy to verify feasibility within their region.
- Focuses on traditional sighting with minimal scientific override.
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- Likely rejects sightings clashing with astronomical predictions.
- Relies on Shura Council’s use of science to rule out errors.
- Favors data alignment when coordinating beyond local reports.
- Defers to local judgment unless clearly implausible.
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- Rejects sightings if the moon is below the horizon per astronomy.
- Filters out erroneous claims using scientific data as a check.
- Ensures sightings are plausible within North American context.
- Maintains sighting priority over scientific determination.
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| Decision Deadline |
- Decided within 2 hours after sunset or when committee agrees.
- Adjusts for late reports or weather conditions if needed.
- Informs the community quickly to ensure timely observance.
- Flexible to accommodate regional coordination efforts.
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- Announced post-verification on the 29th evening by scholars.
- Deliberation occurs after receiving global sighting reports.
- No strict hourly deadline, focuses on thorough review.
- Aims for timely announcement to unify Canadian Muslims.
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- Likely finalized after global reports are received, not specified.
- Allows time for international coordination and verification.
- Focuses on unifying Canada with a single, reliable decision.
- Typically concluded by midnight Eastern Time historically.
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- Announced early based on astronomical predictions, often months ahead.
- No specific post-sunset deadline due to pre-calculated dates.
- Shares dates in advance for planning and consistency.
- Adjusts only if significant evidence contradicts predictions.
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- Based on 29th evening sightings within their Matla.
- No specific deadline noted, aims for same-night announcement.
- Needs confirmed reports first for a prompt decision.
- Quick process especially for key months like Ramadan.
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- Local communities decide, no universal deadline specified.
- May plan early with astronomical forecasts for convenience.
- Adjusts only with strong evidence from local or Shura reports.
- Focuses on avoiding last-minute confusion for members.
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- Decided on the evening of the 29th, within hours after sunset.
- Based on same-day sighting reports from sub-committees.
- Ensures a swift process for clear community notification.
- Relies on timely North American coordination.
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| Used for All Months |
- Applies consistently to every lunar month throughout the year.
- Keeps the sighting process uniform for reliability.
- Places special emphasis on Ramadan and Eid months.
- Ensures year-round adherence to their regional methodology.
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- Consistent methodology applied to all 12 lunar months.
- Unifies the Islamic calendar for Canadian Muslims year-round.
- Ensures no variation in process across different months.
- Highlights major dates like Ramadan and Eid for community focus.
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- Applies the same process consistently for all lunar months.
- Aligns Canada with global Islamic dates throughout the year.
- Critical for timing festivals like Eid and Ramadan accurately.
- Maintains a uniform approach to avoid confusion.
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- Uses astronomical calculations for steady dates across all months.
- Eliminates month-to-month variation with pre-set predictions.
- Plans all Islamic dates reliably well in advance.
- Ensures consistency for North American Muslim observance.
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- Follows traditional rules consistently for every month.
- Adheres to Islamic sighting practices year-round.
- Emphasizes key months like Ramadan and Eid for coordination.
- Maintains a uniform process within their Matla.
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- Encourages consistent application across all months locally.
- Avoids changes in methodology to unify key dates like Eid.
- Relies on local masajid to maintain year-round coherence.
- Supports Shura Council’s uniform approach where applicable.
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- Applies the same sighting process consistently year-round.
- Ensures uniformity across all lunar months for reliability.
- Particularly important for Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
- Focuses on North American consistency in all decisions.
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| Fiqh/Jurisprudence |
- Follows traditional Hanafi fiqh as the primary legal framework.
- Adopts a regional Matla approach, focusing on local sightings.
- Based on Quran and Sunnah, emphasizing physical observation.
- Reflects Toronto’s Hanafi scholarly influence and practice.
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- Follows Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools for global sighting.
- Prioritizes unity over local preference, per Sunni majority opinion.
- Combines traditional sighting with modern tools for practicality.
- Supported by GTA scholars advocating international alignment.
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- References Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools for global sighting.
- Focuses on unity across the Muslim world, not just local regions.
- Accepts diverse sighting methods as per scholarly consensus.
- Quotes traditional scholars to justify global approach.
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- Follows Fiqh Council of North America’s modern interpretation.
- Allows astronomical calculations per ECFR criteria (e.g., 8°/5°).
- Influenced by scholars like Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi for practicality.
- Shifts from traditional sighting to scientific predictability.
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- Likely follows Hanafi fiqh, inferred from scholar names like Chishti.
- Emphasizes a regional Matla approach for North American unity.
- Roots methodology in traditional sighting per Sunnah.
- Limited explicit fiqh details, based on practice and context.
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- Part of Shura Council, reflecting a mix of madhabs (Hanafi, etc.).
- Encourages local unity with astronomy alignment for consistency.
- Flexible to community practices, balancing tradition and science.
- Supports a pragmatic approach over strict fiqh adherence.
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- Adheres to traditional Sunni fiqh, likely Hanafi-influenced.
- Focuses on North American sightings per Sunnah guidelines.
- Emphasizes physical observation as a community obligation.
- Revives classical methods with regional coordination.
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| Additional Notes |
- Encourages local sighting efforts to engage the community.
- Founded in the 1970s to serve Toronto’s Muslim population.
- Focuses on regional unity within a defined time zone range.
- Trusts in Prophetic hadith for traditional sighting practices.
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- Founded by GTA scholars to unify Muslims across Canada.
- Uses science as a supportive tool, not the deciding factor.
- Aims to reduce calendar disputes among Canadian communities.
- Follows global sighting to align with broader Muslim world.
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- Seeks to eliminate date confusion for Canadian Muslims.
- Partners with global Islamic groups for coordinated decisions.
- Follows widely accepted rules endorsed by international scholars.
- Blends astronomy and sightings for practical application.
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- Emphasizes scientific reliability for predictable Islamic dates.
- Follows modern Islamic standards via Fiqh Council guidance.
- Promotes unity across North America with consistent planning.
- Aligns with broader Shura Council efforts for coherence.
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- Focuses on regional coordination across a broad Matla.
- Largest open sighting group in Canada, engaging many mosques.
- Avoids heavy reliance on technology, favoring tradition.
- Covers a wide North American area for unified observance.
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- Seeks unity with consistent dates across local communities.
- Minimizes confusion by encouraging early planning with forecasts.
- Shifted over time to incorporate astronomy for practicality.
- Prioritizes North American unity through Shura Council ties.
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- Independent, community-led group focused on North America.
- Unites Muslims across USA and Canada with regional sightings.
- Relies on sub-committees to coordinate and verify reports.
- Revives traditional sighting as a religious and communal duty.
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