KUALA LUMPUR: Hari Raya Aidilfitri was set today after the new crescent moon of the month of Syawal was sighted at one of the 29 official observation locations nationwide yesterday.
Selangor Mufti Datuk Dr Anhar Opir said the date was set although it was outside the criteria of Imkanurrukyah (both sighting the crescent moon and calculating its appearance).
"On the 29th of Ramadan, the delegation of the Hilal (crescent) Syawal Rukyah Committee conducted observations at 29 observation points throughout Malaysia."
"It was confirmed to be seen at one of the official observation locations in Malaysia."
"In conclusion, the crescent moon of Syawal appears on the date of observation, even outside the applicable Imkanurrukyah criteria. Therefore, the beginning of Syawal is set on May 2, 2022, as declared by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal," he said in a statement explaining the date of the 1st day of Syawal.
Anhar said the Imkanurrukyah method practiced by Malaysia and regional countries such as Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore follows when the crescent moon can be seen and meets set conditions.
The condition is that when the sun sets, the height of the crescent is no lesser than three degrees and the distance between moon and the sun is not lower than 6.4 degrees.
"Based on this, when the position of the crescent moon meets the criteria set on the 29th day of the month of Hijrah, then the next day is considered as the beginning of a new month. Otherwise, the next day is rounded to the 30th day of the month.
"However, when the crescent moon is visible even outside the criteria of Imkanurrukyah by a fair witness, then the government is responsible for investigating and deciding whether to accept or reject the testimony," he said.
He said the Imkanurrukyah criteria were developed based on continuous observation of data and records of crescent appearances around the world.
"It is an alternative method according to astronomy in forming a systematic and scientific hijrah calendar and not contrary to the requirements of Islamic law, including in determining the beginning of Ramadan and Syawal.
"However, the beginning of Ramadan and Syawal in Malaysia is subject to the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal," he said.
The Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced last night that Muslims in Malaysia are celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri today.
The determination was made because of crescent observation activities carried out at 29 locations nationwide yesterday afternoon.