COTABATO CITY — Residents observing Ramadan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have expressed their approval of the new moon-sighting technology acquired by the region, which they believe will reduce dependence on lunar monitoring advisories from Islamic nations. The implementation of the Bangsamoro Daurl-Iftah (BDI) signifies a significant step forward.
“This is remarkable. It deserves plaudits,” remarked local residents and Islamic scholars in a unified response to the recent training of eleven BDI technical workers conducted by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST–Pagasa).
According to the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), the eleven BDI personnel underwent intensive training focused on the correct setup, calibration, and operation of telescopes, as well as the interpretation of astronomical data pertinent to lunar observations. This training occurred from September 14 to 20 at the DOST-Pagasa office in Quezon City, following a request from BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
With this new capability, the governance of BARMM is now positioned to conduct precise moon sightings, potentially putting an end to the longstanding debates surrounding the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan fasting, which is one of the five Pillars of Islam, as stated by the trained BDI workers.
Ammar Baraguir, one of the trainees, shared that the training “provided me practical knowledge on how to properly set up, calibrate, and operate a telescope, as well as how to interpret astronomical data relevant to lunar observation.” He further noted, “I now understand more deeply the scientific processes behind moon-sighting and how technology can enhance the accuracy of our observations.”
Traditionally, Muslim countries have established their respective offices of Darul-Iftah, which serve as the authority on matters of Islamic faith. For many years, the people of BARMM have relied on external advisories for moon sightings.
The BIO highlighted that for generations, the sighting of the crescent moon to determine the beginning and end of Ramadan has been a contentious issue among Muslim Filipinos. However, the organization believes that by next year, such debates could be resolved.
The disputes have often stemmed from discrepancies in the timing information provided by various Muslim countries in the Middle East and neighboring regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, leading to confusion regarding the observance of fasting.
