Following Astronomical Calculations in a locality where certain Communities Follow Moon Sighting

Fatwa ID: DI01417

Question

Assalamu Alaikum

I live in an area where many mosques have agreed that they will follow astronomical Moon calculation method for moonsighting. They follow this for Ramadan and Eid. My personal preference is the moonsighting method, however, I will be in a small minority of people celebrating Ramadan and Eid on different dates than the rest of my community.

Is it permissible to follow the calculation method in determining the beginning and end of Ramadan?

Would it be permissible to start Ramadan according to moonsighting, but to celebrate Eid with the broader community and my family to avoid dispute and to make up the day at a later time? If so, would this require a kaffarah?


Answer

     
Waʿalaykum al-Salām wa Raḥmat Allah wa Barakātu-h.
In the Name of Allah, The Gracious, The Merciful.
 
Please find the responses to your questions in sequence. 
 
1). We are unaware of any masjid or community in the U.S. that follows global sightings for determining the Islamic months. Yes, many masjids and communities have made Saudi Arabia's Ramadan and Eid declarations their cue to observe Ramadan and Eid. 
2). The Darul Ifta's position is that astronomical calculations may be used for verifying moon sighting reports. We would not accept reports that are highly unlikely or impossible.    
3). As per Hanafi fiqh and the majority of ulema, moonsighting -or the completion of thirty days- is the only acceptable method of establishing the new lunar month; only a marginal group of classical ulema considered calculations to be a valid method of establishing the new month. However, if one finds himself in a community where the surrounding masjids only follow the calculation method, they will be allowed to observe Eid with the rest of the community -as Eid is a communal occasion. Since you are in Chicago where the situation is not such, we would not issue a fatwa stating that you may/should follow the calculation method. 
Allah knows best.