Moon-sighting to be decided under religious teachings: CII chief

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Dr Qibla Ayaz has said that Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will remain a key part in determining moon-sighting and Eid despite the presence of a lunar calendar on Tuesday. He said the sighting of moon always decided in the light of the teachings of holy Quran and Hadith adding that any decision about the lunar calendar will be taken after Eidul Fitr. Qibla Ayaz said that the CII has received lunar calendar from the science ministry and research department of the council working on the matter. Dr Ayaz said he value the development of technology but the Ruet input is also necessary. He said the calendar informs about when and where the moon will be sighted. He said according to Quran and Hadith the new moon announced after it sighted as per the teachings of Islam. CII chief posed question if the government has disbanded the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee or it has allowed the Ministry of Science and Technology to announce the decision about Eid. It was reported that the Council of Islamic Ideology would convene and important meeting after the Eid to review the lunar calendar and would seek suggestions from religious scholars of different schools of thought. The CII will review the lunar calendar and will decide whether the evidence about sighting the moon with naked eye is only acceptable or sighting the crescent with equipment is also acceptable under the Islamic law.