Moon Sighting Differences Within One Household: What Should the Family Do?
Question
Assalamualykum Shaykh,
This question is related to the answer that you gave few days ago regarding the confusion of moon sighting, so it was suggested that if one is not sure about the moon sighting one should follow the nearby masjid that he goes to, but what if in a single House hold members go to to different mosque and if the mosque decides to do on a different day, then it will differences within the family for fasting and during the time of Eid as well so what is the solution for this matter.
Zazakallah Khair
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
The beginning and ending of Ramadan are tied to moon sighting. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it.”
Sahih al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
He also said:
“Fasting is the day you all fast, and breaking the fast is the day you all break the fast.”
Sunan al Tirmidhi
These texts show two principles:
- The obligation is tied to sighting.
- Unity of the community is strongly emphasized.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The scholars differed regarding whether moon sighting is global or local. Some held that each region follows its own sighting (ikhtilaf al matali). Others held that one valid sighting may apply more broadly.
However, they all agreed on an important point: Muslims should avoid unnecessary division and public fragmentation when a recognized authority or organized community decision exists.
When a Muslim lives in a country where multiple mosques differ, the scholars generally advise following one consistent, recognized body or local congregation to avoid confusion.
The issue inside one household is not one of invalid fasting. If both opinions are based on recognized juristic reasoning, both fasts are valid in principle. The problem becomes social fragmentation, not invalid worship.
3. Application to the Question
If members of one household attend different mosques that begin Ramadan or celebrate Eid on different days, the solution should prioritize unity within the home.
The practical solutions are:
- The household should agree to follow one mosque or one recognized local authority together.
- It is preferable that the entire family fasts and celebrates Eid on the same day, even if individual members personally prefer a different mosque’s position.
- Consistency and family unity take precedence over individual preference when both positions are based on valid juristic reasoning.
If one member personally believes one position is stronger, but the other position is also recognized and valid, then following the household decision preserves unity without sin.
However, if a mosque’s decision is clearly outside recognized scholarly methodology, then it should not be followed.
The key is that the difference here is within valid juristic scope, not between halal and haram.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
درء المفاسد مقدم على جلب المصالح
Preventing harm takes precedence over bringing benefit
Division within a household during Ramadan and Eid causes relational and spiritual harm. When both positions are based on valid scholarly opinions, preventing division takes priority over insisting on personal preference.
Final Ruling
If different mosques begin Ramadan or celebrate Eid on different days, members of one household should agree to follow one mosque together to preserve unity. Since the scholarly disagreement is recognized, following either valid position is acceptable, but maintaining family unity is strongly preferred.
And Allah knows best.