Astronomer Advocates for Modern Technology’s Role in Shaping Traditions
A prominent astronomy expert in the UAE has suggested a groundbreaking fatwa regarding astrophotography, a move that could potentially transform the conventional method of establishing the start of a new lunar month, traditionally dependent on sighting the crescent moon with the naked eye.
Mohammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the International Astronomy Center based in Abu Dhabi, presented the fatwa proposal at the second international conference of the UAE Council for Fatwa, which commenced in Abu Dhabi. The gathering aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Astrophotography, as explained by Odeh, has been a technology in use since 2006. It is a process that involves utilizing specialized equipment, including an astronomical camera, filters, and computer software to observe and photograph the crescent moon.
He addressed common misconceptions about astrophotography, emphasizing that the images of the crescent moon captured through this method are indeed real. Odeh clarified that these images are not the result of electrical currents when light rays fall on them, but rather, they are authentic representations. The technology employed in astrophotography parallels the cameras found in everyday devices, like those in our pockets.
Moreover, Odeh debunked the notion that stacking, a practice in astrophotography, involves artificially constructing a crescent moon. Instead, it merely combines multiple frames of the crescent taken in quick succession to enhance the image’s clarity. He highlighted the extraordinary capabilities of astrophotography technology, asserting that the crescent moon can even be observed during daylight.
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The proposal of a fatwa related to astrophotography has the potential to modernize the Islamic practice of determining the commencement of lunar months, which traditionally hinges on visual sightings of the moon. This shift may mark a significant development for the Islamic community, reflecting the integration of contemporary scientific advancements with religious traditions.
The conference, titled ‘Towards Sharia Conceptualization of Scientific Developments: Civilizational Methodology, Real-World Applications, and Ethics of Sustainability,’ has garnered over 160 scholars, scientific and intellectual figures representing more than 50 countries. It also includes the participation of 71 Fatwa bodies from across the globe, making it a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences among these institutions.
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While the proposal for a new fatwa holds promise, participants at the conference emphasized the importance of proceeding with caution and adhering to established rules. Dr. Qays Mohammed Al Shaik Mubarak, a professor in the department of Islamic Studies at King Faisal University, asserted that any new fatwa should consider multiple schools of thought of fiqh, promoting collective opinions and a systematic approach to tackle contemporary challenges. This careful approach aims to ensure that fatwas remain firmly rooted in Islamic jurisprudence while incorporating advancements in science and technology.
