a single authority or not, and whether they lie in one region or beyond.
This opinion accords with the textual evidence and with astronomical fact; by adopting it every problem is removed. Allah knows best.

• Decision of the Council of Senior Scholars on the Difference of Horizons *

The Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unanimously issued Decision No. (2) dated 13/8/1392 AH, whose substance is as follows:

After the Council had studied the matter and exchanged views, it resolved the following:

First: The variation in the rising-points of the moon is a matter known with certainty through sense perception and reason, and no one disputes it. The only disagreement among scholars concerns whether those differing horizons must be taken into account.

Second: Whether or not to consider the difference of horizons is a theoretical issue open to ijtihād. Competent scholars and devout authorities have differed over it, and the disagreement is admissible. The scholars hold two positions:
– Some maintain that the difference of horizons must be considered.
– Others do not consider it binding. Each side advances its own proofs.

When the Council examined the issue, and in view of considerations it deemed pertinent—while noting that fourteen centuries have passed since the rise of this religion and there has never been a period in which Islamic festivals were unified on the basis of a single sighting—the members resolved to let matters remain as they have always been. Each Muslim country retains the right, through its own scholars, to adopt whichever of the two views it deems sound.

With regard to confirming the new moons by astronomical calculation, the members of the Council were unanimous that such calculation is not to be relied upon. Allah is the granter of success. End of decision.