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Morocco World News
New York, July 8, 2013
According to a press release by the Fiqh Council of North America the first day of Ramadan of this year is Tuesday 9 July.
As in previous years, the Fiqh Council of North America bases its decision on astronomical calculations, rather than on the traditional sighting of the moon with naked eyes.
The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’ia method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses Makkah al-Mukarram (Mecca) as a conventional point and takes the position that the conjunction must take place before sunset in Makkah and moon must set after sunset in Mecca.
On the basis of this method the dates of Ramadan and Eidul Fitr for the year 1434 AH are established as follows:
1st of Ramadan will be on Tuesday, July 9, 2013.
1st of Shawwal will be on Thursday, August 8, 2013.
While the astronomical calculations are accepted by some countries, it is still a hotly debated issue, since many cling to the traditional sighting of the moon with naked eyes, as set out in the Holy Quran.
The calculations of the Islamic calendar are based on the lunar calendar, which causes the Islamic months to move in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The beginning of Islamic months may also vary from one country to another depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.
Saudi authorities announced later on Monday that the sacred month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia This announcement will, undoubtedly, create a confusion among Arab and Muslim expatriates living in Europe, North America and other continents, especially as the the Fiqh Council of North America, which bases its decision on astronomical calculations, announced early on Monday that first day of Ramadan of this year is Tuesday 9 July. To follow Saudi Arabia or the Fiqh Council of North America will be the dilemma that will hunt Muslims living in the United States and Canada.