Alhamdulillah! Ramadan 1444 AH will begin in most of the countries
of the world on Thursday, 23rd March 2023.
(Based
on:
1. “If on the 29th day of the
lunar month the two following conditions are satisfied, then the next day is
the first day of the new lunar month:
1.
The geocentric conjunction occurs
before sunset.
2.
The moon sets after the sun.
Otherwise,
the current lunar month will last 30 days. ” - Rules for the Umm al-Qura calendar.
2.
The criteria are that after conjunction somewhere on the globe, at local
sunset, the angle between sun and moon should be at least 8° and moon should be
at least 5° above horizon. If these conditions are met, the month starts the
next day; otherwise the month starts on the day following next day. )
We
wish all our viewers “Ramada Kareem” !
Today
is 30th Saban 1444 AH based on above criteria. So, there is no necessary
to find waxing crescent for month calculation.
The
Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) was on Tuesday, 21st March, 2023 at
17:22.47 UT. On 21st March, 2023 the waxing crescent could not be
seen anywhere in the world. But on 22nd March, 2023 the waxing crescent can be
seen easily in Africa and Americas, but can be seen with difficulty in parts of
Europe and Far-East.
So, the month of Saban
1444 AH will complete 30 days and the first day of Ramadan 1444 AH will be the
day of Thursday, 23rd
March 2023.
Some countries of the world declared first day of Ramadan on 21st
March or 24th March 2023 based on false local waxing
crescent sighting or the declaration of local waxing crescent sighting.
On the occasion of the difference and disagreement in the timing
of this year's celebration of Ramadan in the Islamic countries which reached
three days that this matter is regrettable time when modern science,
particularly astronomy, has reached a high degree of advancement and precision.
One of the objectives of Islamic religious seasons and feasts is
that they are occasions for celebration, reflection and rapprochement of hearts
among Muslims in all countries in specific common times. This unity appears
also in the form of these celebrations which have a great impact on the unity
of feelings and positions.
It seems that these religious occasions have recently become
occasions reflecting the division of Muslims instead of their unity with a
negative impact on others image about them. This is indeed a huge mistake that
runs contrary to the objectives of religion as regards these sacred occasions.
Organization of Islamic Countries : OIC has addressed this issue
since the 1980s examined it in various meetings and adopted numerous
resolutions In view of the abovementioned considerations he will request the
International Islamic Fiah Academy - in its new framework – to reconsider the
standardization of the Islamic calendar proceeding from the provisions of
religion and the constant principles of modem science with a view to adopting a
unified global Islamic calendar in all Muslim countries. This will reflect the
unity of Muslims during their feasts and celebrations.
We appeal to the religious and official authorities in the Muslim
world to collaborate with the OIC to put an end to division and disagreement in
this regard.
Now, we
have to implement to the following resolution on the Unified Hijri Calendar of
OIC.
RESOLUTIONS
ON CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS ADOPTED TO THE 45TH SESSION OF THE
COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS (SESSION OF ISLAMIC VALUES FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE, SOLIDARITY
AND DEVELOPMENT) DHAKA – PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH 05-06 MAY 2018 19-20
SHA’BAN 1439 H
D)
THE UNIFIED HIJRI CALENDAR
Taking
into account the pressing need for the unification and standardization of the
Hijri Calendar which will reflect the unity of Muslims during the feasts and
celebrations;
Taking
note of the conclusions of the scientific symposium on unifying the Hijri
Calendar held in Tunis on 11 June 2009 in presence of the OIC General
Secretariat, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Member States,
which include the following:
Take into account scientific facts and fixed
and accurate astronomical calculations.
Need
to rely on vision while making use of astronomical calculations and
observatories and to Make use of Al-Shahid System of the Tunisian Scientist
Mohamed Al Awsat Al-Iyari.
Taking
also note of the International Conference of the Unity of Hijri Calendar,
hosted by the Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in May 2016
in Istanbul to which scientists, astronomers and officials from around 50
countries attended.
Recalling
all previous resolutions supporting Dar Al-Iftaa in implementing the satellite
project in cooperation with Cairo University and the Center for Aerospace
Studies and Consulting in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and stressing the
importance of implementing the project proposed 15 years ago with the aim of
unifying the Hijra calendar in Islamic countries as an embodiment of their
unity;
1.
Calls on OIC Member States and institutions and civil society organizations to
financially contribute towards the establishment and manufacturing of the
Islamic satellite.
2.
Requests the Secretary General to take all necessary measures in this regard in
coordination with Dar al-IftaaAl-Misriyhah with a view to starting the
effective implementation of this project.
3.
Calls upon all the Member States and Islamic institutions to implement previous
resolutions to support the Fatwa Institution in implementing the satellite
project with the cooperation of University of Cairo and Centre for Space
Studies and Consultations in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and through
cooperation with Turkish Administration of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).
4.
Takes into consideration the efforts exerted by the United Arab Emirates to
achieve the unity of Muslim countries through the two meetings of the sharia
scholars and astronomers held in (1438/2016– 1439/2017) that agreed to the
unification of the Hijri calendar."
5.
Requests the Secretary-General to follow up the issues incorporated in this
resolution and report thereon to the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign
Ministers.
Source
: https://www.oic-oci.org/docdown/?docID=1878&refID=1078
page
10 - 11
Update:
Thursday, 22nd March 2023, 1.00 PM GMT, 4.00PM Mecca Time.
