Sight Ramadan Crescent Sunday, Muslims Urged

Jeddah, 25 Sya’ban 1437/02 June 22016 (MINA) – The Supreme Court has asked all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to sight the crescent indicating the advent of the holy month of Ramadan on the evening of Sunday (June 5).

Any Muslim who sights the crescent should approach the nearest court so as to register his/her testimony, the court said.

If it is difficult to reach the court, then the nearest police station can be approached, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting saudigazette.com.

The first Ramadan will depend on the on the sighting of the new moon (hilal) which will tell when the ninth month begins. In the UK, and in many other countries, confirmation of the new moon comes from Saudi Arabia’s highest court, the Supreme Court.

It has been estimated that this year, Ramadan 2016 will begin on Monday, June 06 2016 in some part of America (easy visibility of moon in Hawaii and Polynesian Islands on 5th June evening.

What does Ramadan means? Fasting in this month is not only a physical activity; it is the total commitment of the person’s body and soul. It is time to cleanse oneself from impurities and focus on spiritual connection with Allah. During Ramadan every part of the body must be controlled.

This month is more than eating and inviting people for iftar (breaking of fast). This is the month of Islamic rejuvenation and self-improvement. No human being is born perfect and we all need some changes and adjustments. Human being has both qualities of devil and demon. We can use Ramadan wisely to purify ourselves.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of the hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. And in it there is a night which is better than a thousand nights”. (T/R07/R01/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)