History of the Criteria for Lunar Crescent Visibility in Malaysia

In Malaysia, numbers of criteria has been underlined in preparing Hijri calender. Hence, the criteria of Imkan al-rukyah has been utilized for nearly 20 years until present time. Yet, it remain questions among astronomers and public on how the process of these criteria has been employed. Therefore, this study is undertaken to explore the history of the origin criteria for lunar crescent visibility. Method of data collection methods has been employed which involved library research as well as field work study. Consequently, inductive analysis has been applied in analyzing the data. Hence, the study found that while the criteria for altitude 2 degrees and 3 degrees of elongation is formulated based on the data visibility of the crescent in Indonesia, criteria of 8 hours after the conjunction (ijtimak) is derived from the views and ideas of Malaysian astronomer.