The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual seminar entitled “They Ask You Concerning The Crescents”: The Fiqh and Science of Moonsighting, to be held on Saturday, April 6th, at 4pm UK Time.

This timely seminar aims to address the ongoing debates surrounding the Islamic calendar and the determination of the new lunar month, especially around the sacred month of Ramadhan. By approaching this topic from a fiqhi and academic perspective, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the various legal and practical approaches to moonsighting which, God willing, will lead to promoting unity among Muslims worldwide.

The seminar will be delivered by Sayyid Sulayman Hassan, a highly respected scholar with special expertise in the Fiqh of Moonsighting. Sayyid Hassan will address a range of important questions, such as:

How does the Islamic calendar operate?

What are the different rulings by Shia fuqaha (jurists) about starting the new month?

Is there a resolution to disagreements about starting the month?

Can science resolve the disputes about the beginning of the month?

Can we have a global Muslim calendar?

In addition to the main presentation, the seminar will feature a live Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with Sayyid Hassan and seek clarification on any points of interest or concern.