Guidelines for Hilal Sighting Committees

Provided by Central Hilal Committee

1. The Local Hilal Sighting committee should be comprised of 5 to 7 people at the minimum.

2. Every Local Hilal Committee must convene regularly on the night of the 29^th of each lunar month.
1. For the months of Ramadhaan, Shawwaal and Dhul Hijjah, at least 5 members of the committee must participate in the meeting.
2. For the remaining months, the participation of at least 3 members is sufficient.

3. Most of the members of the committee should be from among the ‘Ulama Al-Kiraam (Respected Scholars). If for some reason this is not the case, then at least the decision maker should be from amongst the Respected Scholars and the remaining members should be adherent to Sunnah, sensible and should have knowledge of the Masaa’il (issues) of Hilal Sighting.

4. All Local Hilal Committees of different states should appoint responsible individuals who will make a concerted effort for Hilal Sighting on the 29^th of every lunar month and in turn present their Shahaadah (testimony) to their respective Local Hilal Committee.

5. The Local Hilal Committee will assess all the reports received and render a final decision. When needed, help will be sought from Muslim astronomers regarding the probability of Hilal Sighting. The decision will be made by the ‘Ulama Al-Kiraam amongst the members of the Local Hilal Committee solely on the grounds of Shar’ee Shahaadah (Testimony according to Shari’ah). For a detailed definition of Shar’ee Shahaadah, please refer to “Conditions of a Testimony for Hilal Sighting” at www.hilalcommittee.org. The final decision will be reported to the Central Hilal Committee via phone. The Central Hilal Committee will in turn post the decision on www.hilalcommittee.org.

6. In major cities of a state, there should be sub-committees comprising of pious and dependable people who will receive Shahaadas (testimonies) and inform the Hilal Committee of that state.

7. If for some reason the existing Local Hilal Committee falls short of the required numbers, then the local Respected Scholars will choose new members.

8. If for some reason the existing Local Hilal Committee dissolves, then the local Respected Scholars should convene and formulate a new Local Hilal Sighting Committee.

9. The Local Hilal Committees should keep their information updated on their respective pages at www.hilalcommittee.org.