AWAITING THE DECISION CONCERNING A MUSLIM GREENWICH MEAN TIME

Abstract

In this article the author discusses the necessity of introducing one unanimous lunar calendar for the entire Muslim world (and all the Muslim communities within). Calendar is to be established on the bases of astronomic calculations, all this with the purpose of synchronizing the times of beginning of the fast in the month of Ramadan, the two ‘eids and the time of the hajj. The author reminds us of the fact that the Muslim world observed the solar calendar since the very beginning. In fact, Muslims are observing the daily prayers up to this day in accordance to the solar calendar and many other things in a life of a Muslim are organised in accordance to the solar time calculations (today named Gregorian calendar), like trade transactions, exchange rates etc. It is therefore, necessary to establish one unanimous astronomic observatory that would provide regular time tables of the lunar calendar for the Muslims throughout the world. The author expresses his hopes that the Islamic authorities will have the understanding for the need of such lunar time calculation consensus, just the same way as they have reached the consensus concerning the calculations of the time according to the Gregorian calendar.