Hilal Advisory Statement : Ramadhan 1431AH

The Hilal Advisory Team has received the following statement from the Office of His Eminence Ayatullah Al Sistani (may his life be prolonged):

The office of His Eminence Ayatullah Al Sistani in Najaf Al Ashraf informs the momineen that His Eminence (may his life be prolonged) has established that tomorrow (Thursday) is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadhan in most Islamic countries such as Iraq and all Arab countries, also Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, also India, Australia, all African countries and South America, United States, and parts of Southern Canada.

However for most parts of Europe such as United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Scandinavian Countries and most parts of Canada, the day after tomorrow (Friday 13 August 2010) will be the first day of the holy month. We ask Allah SWT to make this a month of goodness and blessings for all the Muslims. 

Marhoom Ayatullah Al Khoei (RA)

Based on the ruling of unity of horizons, and sharing of the night, there is a distinct possibility of sighting the crescent in South America and areas westwards on 10th August 2010. Europe shares the night with these regions.

Hilal Advisory Team has achieved itmi’naan over many years on astronomical calculations that meet a certain criteria. The crescent for Ramadhan 1431 is positioned well above the criteria in many regions mentioned above.

Please see below relevant ruling of Marhoom Ayatullah Al Khoei

“1741. The first date of a month is not proved by the prediction of the astronomers. However, if a person believes in what they say or is satisfied with it, he should act according to their statement.”
http://www.al-islam.org/laws/al-khui/22.htm#20

Based on above 1st Ramadhan 1431 begins on Wednesday 11th August 2010 for followers of Marhoom Ayatullah Al Khoei
We have also received news of confirmed sighting from Shia Islamic Community of Bolivia at 3:30 AM that the crescent has been sighted in La Paz,  Bolivia

Ramadhan Mubarak

Crescent Sighting - Announcements