MOON SIGHTING
HOW NWMI DETERMINES THE START OF A LUNAR MONTH
After lengthy deliberations over the merits of each system for determining the start of lunar months, NWMI has decided to adopt the Common Night criterion for two reasons:
There is consensus within NWMI that the crescent moon should be physically sighted, and
The Common Night criterion most closely reflects NWMI's vision of a diverse Ummah, allowing us to be informed by verified sightings from fellow Muslims across continents.
NWMI consults sightings from around the globe as reported on such websites as www.moonsighting.com and www.crescentwatch.org.
Adoption of the Common Night criterion does not mean that NWMI follows the rulings of a single jurist (marja'). NWMI is comprised of a variety of Muslims with varying preferences in matters of jurisprudence (fiqh). NWMI respects each individual's personal choices in these matters and regards such differences as a reflection of the diversity of the Muslim Ummah.
As for Eid-al-Adha, NWMI celebrates with the hajjis and holds salat and celebrations on the day after they stand at Arafat.