Fatwa Darul Uloom Deoband
The theory of Astronomical calculation which is based on Metonic cycle to determine the moon sighting is unacceptable as far as the Islamic Sharia is concerned. This theory cannot be regarded as a criterion of moon sighting. It is against the hadith as well as the principle of scholars. It is unacceptable also to apply  condition of ``Jamme Ghafeer (many ) witnesses`` to accept Shahadat on the evening of 29^th day which is cloudy with `` No Imkane Ruyat `` (not possible to sight the crescent) by the calculation of metonic newmoon theory , (this means that It is not legitimate to consider the Metonic theory as a criterion of moon sighting decision for the `` Not possible sighting evening of new moon theory together with cloudy weather on that evening of 29^th day if many people give evidence in favour of sighting too.  The Batil criterion base (unacceptable calculation of new moon theory) makes its contents Batil criterion (unacceptable ) too.
Allah Knows best.
(Head of Darul Ifta Maulana Mufti ) Habibur Rahman Afallahu Aanhu
(Muaawin Mufti Maulana ) Mahmud Hasan Buland Shahri Ghufira Lahu and (Maulana Mufti )Wiqar Ali Ufeya Anhu
(Stamp of Darul Ifta Darul Uloom Deoband,India)
24. 6. 1431 AH