Hilalsighting Committee of North America would like to confirm that there were several verifiable reports of sightings of the Muharram Crescent after the sunset on Sunday December 28th, 2008. The reports were received from Miami, Austin, Orlando, Dallas, San Jose (CA), etc..

The astronomical data also strongly predicted the possibility of naked-eye sighting in most of North America.

Therefore,we announce that Monday, December 29, 2008 is the first date of Muharram 1430.
 

 

Alhamdulillah the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has also endorsed the decision of Hilal Sighting Committee of North America and announced Eid Ul Adha for Tuesday, December 9 Insha'Allaah. So has the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat of North America Alhamdulillaah.

Extending our Matla to South America may present major problems such as asking New York to start/stop fasting due to Hilal sighting in South America, even when New York Moonset is BEFORE Sunset! Seasons (Summer / Winters) have major effect on Hilal visibility curves (roughly parabola shaped) and the seasons reverse when you go to South America. Further, in Hadith Kurayb, Damascas sighting is not accepted for Medinah Munawwarah even though most of the distance between Damascus and Medina is North - South. Thus Insha'Allaah we should in fact contemplate reducing our Matla and at the very least not increasing it.

There are no authenticated Hilal Sighting Claims from anywhere in North America on November 28th 2008G. Hence we complete 30 days of the month of Dhul Qi'dah. Dhul Hijjah starts on Nov 30st 2008G, with Eidul Adha being on Tuesday, December 9 Insha’Allaah. Eid Mubarak.

The apparent Hilal sighting claim from Florida was investigated by at least 4 Astronomers and refuted on the basis of shape of crescent, timing, position and direction of movement. Further, other Muslims in the SAME location failed to sight the Hilal in spite of clear skies. Thus the “Jamme Ghafeer” or requirement of large number of witnesses in case of clear skies was not met. Also negative sighing reports were received from West of Florida including Texas and California. This decision is also endorsed by the Shariah Council of California, Zaytuna Institute and many others Alhamdulillaah. The Hilal Sighting Committee of North Amerca has over 750 members and organizations covering almost all of the states of USA and Canada Alhamdulillaah and all are encouraged to register for free Insha'Allaah.

Some of the evidence on celebrating Eid ul Adha by local 10th of Dhulhijja instead of Saudi announcement comes from the following:

Hilal was not sighted anywhere in North America on October 29th 2008G. Hence we complete 30 days of the month of Dhul Qi'dah. Dhul Hijjah starts on Nov 30st 2008G.

Friday, November 28 is the 29th of Dhul Qidah 1429 H in North America.

The new moon for the month of Dhul Qi'dah was sighted on the evening of Thursday, Ocotober 30, 2008G, by reliable witnesses at numerous locations throughout North America including Virginia, Georgia, and Texas after completion of 30 days of Shawwal. As such, Friday, October 31, 2008G, will be the first day of Dhul Qi'dah in North America.

Hilal was not sighted anywhere in North America on October 29th 2008G. Hence we complete 30 days of the month of Shawwal. Dhul Qi'dah starts on October 31st 2008G.