By Eng. Qamar Uddin, ICOUK; dated 2 February 2026 [download pdf]
The predicted crescent visibility map on the ICOUK website indicates that on Thursday, 19th March 2026, the Shawwal 1447 AH moon may be visible to the naked eye in the UK to Morocco region (after locating it with Optical Aids).
Therefore, many people will be looking for the Shawwal moon on that date (29th Ramadan) as per Sunnah, and to confirm if the moon can or cannot be sighted by the naked eye or Optical Aids.
From our past UK moon sighting experience, the Shawwal Hilal will be possible to be sighted with Optical Aids (i.e., binoculars or telescopes), and then it may be sighted with the naked eye, if the weather is clear (HMNAO Code C).
It is important to report all moon sightings to the ICOUK website with whatever methods used (with naked eye or Optical Aids) and the weather conditions. The complete report with all the necessary information will help a rapid decision to be made (preferably with multiple witnesses) to start the month without undue delays.
The Quran states that the months begin with the sighting of the crescent moons (2:189), and the Hadith states that it must be observed with the human eye (Ruyat) and not solely by calculations of visibility (Hisab).
There is a difference of opinion between the UK moon sighters about whether Optical Aids should be accepted or not. The ICOUK ulama are of the view that it should be accepted (based on many past and present fatawa), InshaAllah.
The question arises if using Optical Aids is Sunnah or not, which means did the Prophet (ﷺ) use it himself, tell others to use it, or approve others doing it. This question is better answered by the fatawa from senior Ulama (see references), but please consider the following points.
The Prophet (ﷺ) did not use loudspeakers in congregational prayers (Quran 2:43), yet the senior Ulama have permitted to do so [as long as the original voice of the Imam is not altered]. Similarly, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised the Muslims to walk to the masjid on Fridays and not ride (Hadith), yet the senior Ulama have permitted riding/driving to the masjid. Another similar example can be given about the Prophet (ﷺ) riding a camel to Hajj, yet the senior Ulama have permitted the use of motor cars and aeroplanes to travel to Hajj.
Therefore, it is not against Sunnah to use Optical Aids for moon sightings as long as they meet all other conditions of Ruyat (see testimony procedure). In fact, it is recommended to do so, because the purpose of sighting by the human eye is to have certainty (and not be in doubt due to clouds), which the Optical Aids help to achieve by making the object bigger and brighter (at low costs) for the peace of mind (اطمینانِ قلب).
Note that the vast majority of the Muslim countries allow/approve the use of Optical Aids, and those few that do not are probably due to the lack of training and equipment. For example, the senior Ulama in Bangladesh allow the use of Optical Aids, but they do not currently use them, and are in the process of doing so in the future (to overcome clouds). [Ref: Meeting between Eng. Qamar Uddin and Mufti Abdul Malek (and other Ulama) in Dhaka, 31/1/2026]
Related: 1. [ bit.ly/UseofOpticalAids] | 2. [bit.ly/TestimonyPolicy] | 3. [bit.ly/StandstillsQA]
Checked by: Maulana Abdullah Ahmed (2/2026)
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