Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Sunday Evening

Teleskopes are installed to view the crescent moon or new moon to determine the beginning of Ramadan.

Riyadh, 27 Sya’ban, 1437/ 04 June 2016 (MINA) – The Supreme Court has called on all Muslims across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sight the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan on Sunday evening, Shaaban 29, 1437 AH, corresponding to June 05, 2016.

In an announcement, the Supreme Court also called on whoever sees the crescent of the blessed month of
Ramadan by naked eyes or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register his testimony, or
report to the authority of the region’s center in his area where he sighted the crescent in order to facilitate his reaching to the nearest court.

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The Supreme Court also urges all Muslims to sight the Crescent for the cooperation of all Muslims in
righteousness and piety, SPA reported, as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

If the sighting is confirmed, all Muslims will start fasting on Monday. Otherwise, Ramadan will begin on Tuesday.

In accordance with Islam, sighting the crescent at dusk on the evening of the 29th of Shaban (the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar known as Hijri) is the only way to determine the beginning of Ramadan.

The Hijri calendar’s months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted.

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The same applies to the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. Scholars and experts meet on the 29th of the month to decide, depending on if the crescent is sighted or not,, whether to complete 30 days of fasting or announce , the feast marking the end of fasting.

May Allah Almighty bless all and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon all his Family and Companions. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)