Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
When intending to fast on 9th Dhū Al-Hijja and reciting Takbīr Tashrīq, should one follow local moon sighting or perform the aforementioned acts of worship according to the rites being performed in Makkah?
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
There is a difference of opinion based on interpretation of the source texts regarding this matter.
Some jurists are of the view that Dhū Al-Ḥijjah fasting and the Takbīr Tashrīq are connected to the standing at ʿArafah in Saudi Arabia, hence according to this opinion, one would correlate the practices with the dates in Saudi Arabia.
Another group of jurists are of the view that one is to follow lunar dates of their local regions and not correlate it with Saudi Arabia.
Both opinions are valid.
In non Muslim countries, one is advised to follow the declaration on the matter, of their local masjid in the community and adhere to unity and uniformity.
And Allāh Knows Best
