Seeing the Crescent Moon in a New Way, New Tools, Clearer Evidence & Trusted Decisions.
The sighting of the crescent moon has long played an important role in Muslim life. It determines the beginning of key Islamic months, including Ramadan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah. For generations, the practice relied on direct observation with the naked eye. Today, however, advances in astronomy and imaging technology have raised an important question: Can a crescent moon sighted through modern digital technology be accepted under Islamic law?
To address this issue, researchers from the Universiti Malaya (UM) are conducting a study titled Pengisbatan Anak Bulan dari Perspektif Syariah dan Astronomi (Crescent Moon Sighting from Shariah and Astronomy Perspectives). The project brings together experts in Islamic studies and astronomy to examine how technological developments can support Islamic principles while maintaining the integrity of established crescent-moon sighting practices.
Understanding the Challenge
In recent years, the use of telescopes, digital cameras, image processing software, and computer-based verification techniques has transformed astronomical observation. These tools can strengthen the documentation, analysis, and assessment of crescent-moon observations, particularly under challenging weather and viewing conditions.
However, their growing use has also created debate among scholars and the public. Some question whether a moon observed through a digital image on a screen can be considered a valid sighting according to Islamic law. Without clear and agreed-upon guidelines, different interpretations may lead to confusion, particularly when determining the start of Ramadan or the celebration of Aidilfitri.
The research journey began in 2000, led by Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr. Zamri Zainuddin, who remains actively involved in the project. Over the past 26 years, the team has explored the issue from both Shariah and scientific perspectives. Today, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Saiful Anwar Mohd Nawawi leads the next phase of the research, working together with Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr. Zamri and the team to further develop a clear framework that can support religious authorities, practitioners, and the wider Muslim community.
Bringing Science and Shariah Together
The project is unique because it combines expertise from two fields that are often viewed separately. Researchers are examining traditional Islamic legal sources alongside modern astronomical methods to determine how technological imaging can support moon-sighting activities.
Rather than replacing established crescent-moon sighting practices, the study examines how technology can strengthen the documentation, analysis, and verification of observations. Modern imaging systems can provide clearer observational records and assist experts in assessing sightings under challenging viewing conditions, while remaining subject to established Shariah principles and the authority of religious institutions.
According to the research team, scientific methods can support Islamic jurisprudence in ensuring that crescent-moon sighting practices remain relevant in a rapidly changing technological environment while preserving religious authenticity.
Why It Matters
The impact of crescent-moon sighting decisions extends far beyond astronomy. Every year, millions of Muslims depend on official announcements to determine important religious dates. Any uncertainty can lead to confusion and heated public discussion, especially on social media.
Research findings in this area have contributed to legal and policy developments. The study’s recommendations helped inform fatwas issued by Mufti Departments in several states and supported the gazetting of crescent-moon sighting methods under the Selangor Islamic Religious Administration Enactment. In addition, the findings contributed to crescent-moon observation guidelines published by JAKIM. These guidelines were also presented at the MABIMS Muzakarah involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore, where they were recognised as a useful reference.
Beyond Southeast Asia, the framework has attracted interest in Türkiye and among Muslim minority communities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. This demonstrates the wider relevance and potential application of the research.
The Team Behind the Research
This research is led by an interdisciplinary team from Universiti Malaya (UM), bringing together expertise in Islamic studies, astronomy, mathematics, physics, and computer technology.
The research has been supported through several research grants. These include a grant from the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS), led by Dr. Nazhatulshima Ahmad from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, as well as a faculty grant from the Academy of Islamic Studies, led by Dr. Raihana Abdul Wahab from the Department of Fiqh-Usul and Applied Sciences, APIUM. The research has also received the Impact-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant (IIRG) of Universiti Malaya, led by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, together with Associate Professor Dr. Rosli Salleh from the Department of Computer System and Technology, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology.
The project is further supported by several key agencies and stakeholders, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), State Mufti Departments in Malaysia, and the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI).
The research is also grounded in continuous monthly crescent-moon observations conducted at the Negeri Sembilan Observatory since 2000—spanning more than 25 years—an initiative pioneered by Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Mohd Zambri Zainuddin. This long-term observational dataset provides an important foundation for sustained research and knowledge products in Islamic crescent-moon sighting. The initiative has received sponsorship from JAKIM and support from the Negeri Sembilan Mufti Department, the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), and the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS).
Looking Ahead
The research has opened important discussions on the future of Islamic moon sighting. The team plans to continue refining the guidelines through a series of focused studies and research grants supported by religious councils and government agencies.
Future work will focus on improving moon-imaging techniques and strengthening verification methods that comply with existing fatwas. These efforts aim to ensure that future moon-sighting practices remain accurate, reliable, and widely accepted.
As technology continues to evolve, this UM research demonstrates how science serves religion in addressing contemporary challenges. By providing evidence-based guidance rooted in Islamic principles and subject to the authority of religious institutions, the project has the potential to strengthen public confidence, promote unity, and support more consistent religious decision-making for Muslim communities in Malaysia and around the world.
SDGs Addressed:
 | SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Applying modern astronomical imaging and digital technologies to improve the accuracy and reliability of crescent-moon observation. |
 | SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Supporting clear and trusted religious governance, strengthening institutional decision-making, and reducing public uncertainty through crescent-moon sighting fatwas and guidelines informed by Islamic law and scientific evidence. |
 | SDG 17 – Bringing together researchers, religious authorities, government agencies, and NGOs to develop shared and coordinated approaches to moon sighting.
|
Researcher featured:
Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Saiful Anwar Mohd Nawawi
Department of Fiqh-Usul and Applied Sciences
Academy of Islamic Studies
Universiti Malaya
Get to know the researcher:
Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Saiful Anwar Mohd Nawawi is an academic and researcher at the Department Fiqh- Usul and Applied Sciences, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya. With academic training in Shariah, Science and Islamic Astronomy, his work brings together Islamic scholarship and modern scientific knowledge. His research focuses on areas such as lunar crescent visibility, the Islamic calendar, prayer times and qibla determination. He also works closely with government agencies, religious authorities and academic institutions to develop evidence-based approaches for contemporary Islamic practices. He is currently President of the Persatuan Jurufalak Syarie (JUFAS).
For further inquiries, please contact:
Email: saifulanwar@um.edu.my
Office num: +60379676011
Web of Science ID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/B-1712-2017
Research Team Member(s):
Profesor Dato’ Dr Mohd Zambri Zainuddin, Professor Dr Saadan Man, Dr Nazhatulshima Ahmad, Dr Raihana Abdul Wahab, Dr Mohammaddin Abdul Niri, Mr. Khairul Anuar Yazid, Dr Nurulhuda Ahmad Zaki, En Muhammad Redzuan Md Tahar & Puan Khairussaadah Wahid.
Author:
Mageswary Manickam
Research Assistant, Research Outreach and Visibility Centre (OVIS), JPP, UM
Copyeditor:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid
Assistant Registrar, Research Outreach and Visibility Centre (OVIS), JPP, UM
Comments