Yasir Qadhi - Ending the Moon Wars: A Case for Calculations

About this lecture

In this lecture, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi makes a detailed fiqhi case for adopting astronomical calculations — rather than physical moon sighting — to determine the beginning of Ramadan and Eid, particularly for Muslim minorities in the West. Drawing on Quranic verses, classical scholars including al-Subki and Mutarrif ibn Abdillah, and modern authorities such as Ahmad Shakir and Shaykh Qaradawi, he presents five scholarly arguments in favor of calculations and eight practical benefits (maslahas) for Western Muslim communities. He also candidly reflects on the political and sociological dynamics that have made this conversation difficult, while emphasizing that community unity must always take precedence over any individual fiqhi position.