| Clue #1,874 as to why these people are hopeless. |
The first Islamic satellite, expected to be used in the crescent sighting, will go into orbit in 15 months' time, with the launch planed for 2006, according to Dr Omar Al Khateeb, Head of Research and Fatwa Section, who represented the UAE at the Satellite committee meeting held in Cairo on December 21. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Al Khateeb said that the project was proposed by Dar Al Ifta in Egypt in 1997. "The satellite is expected to present a solution to the problem resulted from the differences over the lunar months — a fact which prompted Arab and Muslim countries to support the project," Al Khateeb, pointed out.
| As opposed to just contracting with the US or Eurosat for a lunar sighting every year. Cheez. |
He added that the committee, which comprises Arab Islamic scholars, representatives of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Muslim World League, reached an agreement to put to tender the manufacturing of the satellite in January 2005. The tendering would take place in cooperation with the Cairo University's Space Studies Centre (CUSSC). Al Khateeb explained that moon sighting has always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries, and scholars have different views over the issue. "Many scholars believe that Muslims in different countries should follow one sighting as long as the sightings are made on the same night in these countries. While others believe that Muslims worldwide should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia," he said. Al Khateeb explained that the launch of the Islamic satellite project would present a solution to this controversial problem.
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