Moonsighters Academy FAQ
The following entry has been added in response to questions from unsuccessful applicants:
I applied and was not successful. Can you explain why?
A: The Moonsighters Academy aims to work with anyone passionate about reviving the Islamic tradition of moonsighting. Due to the enthusiastic response to this opportunity and the limits of the funding, it was impossible to offer a place to everyone who applied.
The panel were very impressed by the quality of applications and the clear commitment of those aspiring to join the course. We hope that this first cohort will work with the team to refine the course design and enable Imad and other tutors to offer something similar for more people in future.
Is this course for me?
A: We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic trainees who are willing to take initiative and become moonsighting leaders within their own area. You will also join a conversation with a network of moonsighting leaders working across the UK to support the Islamic calendar in the UK.
If this sounds of interest to you - yes, please apply!
I’m a total beginner. Can I apply?
A: Beginners are warmly encouraged to apply. Some background in astronomy, teaching, or community work can help, but enthusiasm and commitment matter most.
Can I be part of this course if I cannot attend the onsite residential in Leeds, and /or the onsite training day in Cambridge?
A: The onsite training days are a mandatory part of the course. You will only be accepted onto the course as a full trainee if you can commit to attending in Leeds on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 January, and in Cambridge on Monday 15 June.
If you cannot attend those dates but still would like to be involved or receive training, please indicate this in your application form, and we will try our best to find ways to accommodate you.
How many people will be part of this cohort?
A: 30 people will be part of this cohort. Where possible, we will recruit 2 or more people from the same area (for example, 2 people from Blackburn, 2 people from Portsmouth) so that trainees can have a local ‘buddy’ to help them with local moonsighting organising.
If I attend this course, will I be able to lead my own moonsighting by Ramadan?
A: Yes! We are looking for people who are enthused by the idea of being a moonsighting leader, and we will aim to train you to lead your first moonsighting by Ramadan!
How much is the course fee?
A: There is no fee for this course.
The course and key costs are funded by a Spark award from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Spark awards are intended to introduce STFC science and technology to new audiences, highlight the achievements of STFC science and technology, and demonstrate the value to the UK of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Spark Wonder initiative seeks to give under-served communities an equal voice by listening, understanding, and responding to what people want to know about science and technology. Funding supports audience-driven engagement, particularly with those eight to 14 years old and their families and carers, from the 40% most socio-economically deprived areas of the UK.
Note: This is a selective course and places will be allocated with reference to various factors including geographical coverage, potential reach to under-served communities, and gender—ensuring women are included.
I live outside the UK. Can I apply?
A: This course is designed and funded to help establish a network of UK Moonsighting leaders. We are not able to consider applications from people based outside the UK.
I am not a Muslim. Can I apply?
A: This course is intended to foster greater understanding of the Islamic lunar visibility calendar and related astronomy, scientific and cultural knowledge.
It is anticipated that trainees will typically be Muslims. However, this is not an absolute requirement.
Successful applicants will present a compelling case for how you can meaningfully engage Moonsighters in your locality, with a particular focus on sighting the new crescent that indicates the beginning of a calendar month.
I missed the info session. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. A recording of the info session presentation is available to view on YouTube. The list of questions below has also been updated to reflect the discussion. There is space in the application form to raise further queries, or you can send an email to team @ interfaith.cam.ac.uk.
Is this course suitable for children?
A: No, this is not a children's course. It is designed for adults, catering to those who seek to train other people and institutions in their communities. Applicants must be aged 18+.
The following questions were discussed during the 26 October information session:
Will there be homework or formal assessments?
A: There will be no formal homework or graded assignments. Instead, are seeking to work with participants who wish to take on leadership responsibilities in their communities, applying what they learn in ways that make sense for them. There may be self-evaluation exercises to support your learning, but no pass/fail exams.
Can people outside the UK participate online if they are not part of the main 30-person cohort?
A: The course is primarily for people in the UK. While remote participation is not ruled out, it depends on feasibility and will be discussed by the team. The main focus is on the UK cohort, as mandated by the funding and intended outcomes.
Will there be assessments or tests to check participants’ knowledge?
A: There will not be formal exams. However, there may be quizzes or feedback activities to help participants evaluate their own progress and understanding.
Will there be materials or a condensed version of the course for groups like Scouts?
A: The Academy aims to provide foundational materials that leaders can adapt for their own groups, such as Scouts. Participants are encouraged to tailor the content to their community’s needs, with support from the Academy team.
How can participants introduce moonsighting in communities where there is little knowledge or where it may be controversial?
A: The Academy will address community sensitivity and communication strategies. It recognizes that different communities have different needs and that leadership can take many forms. The program encourages networking and mutual support among participants.
Will the Academy cover the sun’s position and shadow and other astronomical methods for determining prayer times?
A: The main focus is on moonsighting for the Islamic calendar, as this is the area of greatest need identified for the UK Muslim community. However, there is potential to expand to other astronomical topics in future training, depending on demand.