If one Woman Sights the Moon for Ramadhaan, will her Testimony be Adopted Dr Zakir Naik
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Dr. Zakir Naik addresses an intriguing question related to the Islamic practice of sighting the moon to determine the beginning of Ramadan: If a woman sights...

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Dr. Zakir Naik addresses an intriguing question related to the Islamic practice of sighting the moon to determine the beginning of Ramadan: If a woman sights the moon, will her testimony be adopted? The sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar months, including the sacred month of Ramadan, and is a crucial event in the Islamic calendar. However, in many cultures and communities, the question arises whether a woman’s testimony is as valid as that of a man when it comes to sighting the moon. Dr. Naik delves into this issue by examining the teachings of the Quran, Hadith, and the opinions of Islamic scholars to clarify this important matter.

Dr. Naik begins by explaining the traditional method of moon sighting, a practice that goes back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). According to Islamic tradition, the new moon is observed with the naked eye to determine the start of a new month, particularly for the beginning of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. While this practice is widely followed in various countries, different schools of thought within Islam have varied opinions about the validity of a woman’s testimony regarding moon sighting.

Drawing upon various Hadiths, Dr. Naik highlights the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) accepted the testimony of women during his time, including the testimony of women who sighted the moon for the commencement of Ramadan. One famous narration mentions a woman, Umm al-Fadl, the wife of Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, who reported seeing the crescent moon, and the Prophet (PBUH) accepted her testimony. Dr. Naik further explains that the general principle in Islam is that a truthful and reliable witness, regardless of gender, is to be accepted. He emphasizes that in the eyes of Islam, the ability to testify is based on the individual’s integrity, knowledge, and trustworthiness, not their gender.

Dr. Naik then delves deeper into the Islamic legal perspective. According to the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools of thought, the testimony of a woman regarding the moon sighting is generally accepted, provided that she is known to be truthful and reliable. However, Dr. Naik also explains that some scholars from the Maliki school have raised concerns about relying on the testimony of a woman for moon sighting, suggesting that it should be corroborated by additional witnesses. He provides a balanced view, acknowledging that while there are differences in interpretation, the majority of scholars agree that a woman’s testimony is valid if she is trustworthy.

Furthermore, Dr. Naik highlights the importance of practicality and flexibility in Islamic law. He stresses that the primary goal of moon sighting is to establish the correct time for worship, especially during the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast and engage in acts of devotion. He reminds viewers that Islam is a religion of ease and not of hardship, and thus, there should be no unnecessary restrictions on the validity of moon sightings based on gender. He encourages Muslims to focus on the spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect during the month of Ramadan, rather than becoming divided over minor issues.

Dr. Naik also addresses the modern practice of relying on astronomical calculations in some countries to determine the start of Ramadan, which has sparked debate among traditionalists and reformists. While acknowledging the technological advancements in astronomy, Dr. Naik reiterates that the traditional moon sighting method remains the most authentic and widely accepted approach. He encourages Muslims to strike a balance between modern methods and traditional practices while remaining true to the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, Dr. Zakir Naik affirms that the testimony of a woman who sights the moon for Ramadan is indeed accepted in Islam, as long as she is a trustworthy and reliable witness. He calls on Muslims to embrace the teachings of Islam that promote equality and justice, and to refrain from imposing unnecessary cultural or societal biases that could hinder the acceptance of a woman’s testimony. By understanding the Islamic principles of truthfulness, fairness, and flexibility, Muslims can ensure that they uphold the values of their faith while celebrating the blessed month of Ramadan with unity and devotion. This video serves as a valuable resource for Muslims seeking clarity on this important topic, encouraging them to follow the authentic teachings of Islam with wisdom and respect