Moon-Sighting Expert Issues Urgent Plea for Ramadan 2026 Accuracy
A prominent moon-sighting authority has made a heartfelt appeal to Muslim communities globally, urging them to base the commencement of Ramadan 2026 and other significant Islamic dates on solid scientific evidence rather than convenience or unverified forecasts. Dr Raja Zahid Nawaz, a regular commentator on lunar observations and the Islamic calendar, emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to established astronomical principles.
The Scientific Impossibility of February 17 Sighting
Dr Nawaz, who shares his analysis through social media and Birmingham-based broadcaster Noor TV, has highlighted that on February 17, 2026, the first delicate crescent of the new moon will be scientifically impossible to observe from numerous locations, including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. This impossibility stems from well-documented astronomical factors such as low altitude, insufficient elongation, minimal illumination, and inadequate lag time after sunset.
In straightforward terms, the moon will simply not be visible to the naked eye or through telescopes on that date. Dr Nawaz cautions against the repetition of spurious or inaccurate announcements, which risk initiating a dangerous chain of misinformation that could spread rapidly across communities and media platforms.
The Damaging Domino Effect of False Claims
Dr Nawaz explained to BirminghamLive that as Ramadan approaches, a familiar and frustrating cycle often emerges: premature declarations, questionable crescent claims, and media outlets uncritically repeating statements that fail to withstand rigorous scrutiny. He stressed that determining the start of an Islamic month is not a matter of guesswork, sentiment, or convenience.
"Each year, Muslim communities across the UK await confirmation of the new moon," said Dr Nawaz. "For some, this is determined through astronomical calculations; for others, through verified physical sighting of the crescent—either locally or in countries with established and credible moon-sighting systems. Both approaches have scholarly foundations. What does not have any foundation, however, is claiming a sighting when visibility is scientifically impossible."
Based on patterns from previous years, Dr Nawaz anticipates that announcements may still be made regardless, often relying on pre-calculated calendars rather than authenticated sightings. He expressed deep concern about the subsequent domino effect, where media outlets worldwide repeat the claim that 'the crescent has been sighted' without proper questioning, context, or verification.
A Call for Transparency and Integrity
This domino effect, according to Dr Nawaz, causes genuine harm by undermining scientific credibility, fostering confusion within communities, and eroding trust. Experts who have studied detailed astronomical assessments are left perplexed by how an 'impossible' sighting can suddenly be presented as confirmed.
Dr Nawaz advocates for clear and transparent communication: if a country chooses to follow calculation-based calendars, it should state so explicitly. Similarly, if a decision is based on the birth of the moon, that should be transparently communicated. He insists that the practice of presenting calendar-based decisions as physical sightings must cease, emphasizing that accuracy is not a minor technicality but a fundamental matter of integrity.
In his plea to all individuals and organizations involved in moon-sighting announcements, Dr Nawaz reminded them that Ramadan is a month built on reflection, discipline, and truthfulness for millions of believers. Announcing its start should reflect those same core values.
"Communities deserve honesty about the criteria being used, not vague statements that blur the line between calculation and sighting," he asserted. "My call is simple: be transparent, be precise, and stop making claims that science has already ruled out. As anticipation builds for Ramadan, clarity—not confusion—should guide the conversation."
