MABIMS Criteria for Determining the Beginning of Ramadan

For Muslims the sighting of the new moon (hilal) marks the start of Ramadan the holy month of fasting. Allah ﷻ said in Surah Al-Baqarah:

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous. (183)[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. (184)

Throughout Southeast Asia the Menteri-menteri agama Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapura (MABIMS) establishes the criteria that are used to determine when Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr begin. In order to create uniform standards for the lunar calendar Islamic religious leaders from Brunei Indonesia Malaysia and Singapore work together as the MABIMS council. The MABIMS criteria for identifying the start of Ramadan and its significance are explained in this article.

Background of MABIMS

In order to standardize the Islamic calendar among its member nations MABIMS was founded. The council seeks to lessen discrepancies in the calculation of important Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and the beginning of Ramadan. MABIMS aims to promote harmony and uniformity in religious practices throughout the region by taking a unified stance.

Also read:How to Manage Your Sleep Time During Ramadan

Hilal Sighting MABIMS Criteria

A combination of lunar sighting (rukyah) and astronomical calculations (hisab) form the basis of the MABIMS criteria for establishing the start of Ramadan. These are the main requirement:

1. The moons altitude or height above the horizon: At sunset the new moon (hilal) needs to be at least three degrees above the horizon. This criterion guarantees that the hilal can be seen with optical aids or in theory with the unaided eye.

2. The angular separation between the moon and the sun (elongation): The moon must be at least 6,4 degrees longer than the sun. This makes sure that there is enough distance between the two celestial bodies to see the hilal.

3. Moons age: The moon needs to be at least eight hours old following the ijtima or conjunction. After the new moon phase this criterion guarantees that the moon has had enough time to become visible. These requirements are intended to ensure that the determination of Ramadan is dependable and consistent by striking a balance between scientific accuracy and the custom of moon sighting.

Also read:Tips for Completing the Qur’an During Ramadan

MABIMS Criteria implementation

In order to implement the MABIMS criteria astronomers religious leaders and academics from member nations work together. Every nation makes observations and computations using the MABIMS criteria prior to the onset of Ramadan. Ramadan is proclaimed to have begun if the hilal is sighted or satisfies the requirements. Otherwise Ramadan starts the next day and the current month is prolonged to 30 days.

Meaning of the MABIMS Standards

In order to standardize the Islamic calendar throughout Southeast Asia the MABIMS criteria are essential. The council reduces disparities in Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr observance by implementing a uniform strategy. In an area where a sizable portion of the population is Muslim this unity is especially crucial because it promotes a feeling of solidarity and shared religious identity. Furthermore the MABIMS criteria show how Islamic tradition and contemporary science have been integrated. The council guarantees that the lunar calendar determination is precise and compliant with Islamic principles by integrating astronomical computations.

Also read:Shadaqah: The Forgotten Worship for Employees

Issues and Future Development

Even with its success there are still issues with the MABIMS criteria. Ramadan can begin differently in each member country due to differences in interpretation and implementation. Additionally future revisions to the criteria might be required due to developments in astronomy and technology. In order to overcome these obstacles MABIMS is still conducting research and discussions in an effort to improve its standards and foster greater cohesion. The council additionally highlights the significance of education and awareness guaranteeing that the Muslim community is aware of the rationale behind the establishment of Ramadan.

In conclusion

An important step in unifying the Islamic calendar in Southeast Asia is the implementation of the MABIMS criteria for determining the start of Ramadan. The council makes sure that Ramadan begins precisely and consistently by fusing modern astronomical calculations with traditional moon sighting. The MABIMS criteria will continue to be an essential instrument for maintaining the integrity of Islamic practices and promoting unity as the Muslim community grows and changes.

Also read:The Way for Turning Work into a Source of Reward in Ramadan

MABIMS Criteria for Determining the Beginning of Ramadan

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