Saudi Arabia, for example, calculates when is the new moon is born and then follow these calculations when deciding when an Islamic month begins and ends. Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei determine Islamic events and dates by the calculation of the position of the moon at sunset in their country. If the moon is two degrees above the horizon and three degrees away from the sun then they consider that the new month has begun. In Egypt, if the moon sets five minutes after sunset in their country, then they consider that the moon has been sighted. They do not require physical sighting.
Some countries follow the decisions of other Muslim countries.
Syria, Turkey and Iraq often follow Egypt's decision or Saudi Arabia's. The Gulf countries and some European countries also follow Saudi Arabia's decision. The problem is multiplied when people from these countries in North America want to follow their home country and they try to insist authorities like the Shura council to follow the very first country which has announced the beginning of the month. Keep your eyes peeled, your telescopes focused and your binoculars ready. Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.