For the first time in my life, I have experienced the waxing crescent being sighted on the 28th day of the month, on the 28th Jumada al-Akhirah (Friday 12th, January 2024) for the month of Rajab.
However, it was not only my colleagues and I who witnessed the crescent, there were other witnesses from various places in Sri Lanka, as Puttalam, Norochcholai, Negombo, and Colombo (where my colleagues and I were witnesses). The factor that caused the crescent of Rajab to be sighted on the 28th day of Jumada al-Akhirah was due to the previous four months having 30 days.
This made me recall the incident that happened on June 14, 2018, where the moon for Shawwal was sighted on the 28th of Ramadān; however, the administration rejected it, despite the witnesses being greater in number than in January 12, 2024. Even though the crescent visibility states that the crescent could be visible by naked eye in both the circumstances, I wonder why the authorities accepted one (2024) and rejected the other (2018).
“If reliable Muslim astronomers confirm that on a particular day sighting the first crescent is impossible, based on the observation of astronomy that day shall be accepted as a day the first crescent shall not be visible.” (ACJU: Five Criteria on deciding the first crescent 2008)
But however, just as the previous incidents, the administration accepted the witness in 2012, and rejected it in 2013.
This arises a question on the accountability of the authority regarding this matter. Also, I fear that unclear decisions and verdicts may lead to great confusion in the future generations.
May Allah guide us all!
