2018 Ramadan Statement
April 17, 2018
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Statement on the Start of Ramadan
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As-Salaamu-Alaikum! As you may be aware, the hilal (new crescent moon) beginning the month of Sha’ban was sighted throughout the world and in North America on the night of April 16, 2018. Current astronomical projections indicate the month of Sha’ban is expected to run the full thirty days (through the day of May 16th). In addition, the hilal of the month of Ramadan is also projected for the evening of May 16th. As a result, the beginning night of the month of Ramadan is projected for Wednesday, May 16, 2018, with Thursday, May 17th as the first day of fasting.
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By tradition, however, Muslims around the world will be searching for the hilal th starting Tuesday evening, May 15th. In the continental USA, members of the Community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed will be out searching shortly after sunset on Tuesday evening. If the moon is sighted with the naked eye, please contact your local Imam who should then notify their Section Convener with the details of the sighting. We will announce sightings on our website: www.iwdmcommunity.com. While it is unlikely, if a credible eye sighting (including picture, location, and person) occurs on Tuesday night (May 15th) within the continental USA, the first day of fasting will start on May 16th.
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The Section Conveners of Imams associated with the Community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed adhere to the general principle of local sighting (within the continental USA) with the naked eye. We also use Allah’s gift of science to help pinpoint when and where naked eye sightings are most probable to occur.
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Wherever Muslims are in the world, we pray that you have a blessed and beneficial Ramadan as a result of your intentions, fasting, prayers, Qur’anic reading, charity, discipline, and your gathering with other believers!
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