Visibility of Shawwal Crescent 1432 AH

On this page:-

When to Observe Shawwal Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?
Shawwal Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results
The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries
When to Observe Ramadan Waning (OLD) Crescent ?
Ramadan Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results
Videos and Articles Confirming the Impossibility of Sighting the Crescent on Monday from the Arabic World

When to Observe Shawwal Waxing (NEW) Crescent ?

The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Monday 29 August 2011) at 03:04 UT.

Sighting the new crescent on (Monday 29 August 2011) and (Tuesday 30 August 2011) is shown in the below graphs using the program Accurate Times by Mohammad Odeh according to Odeh criterion. Where:-

It is impossible to see the crescent from the areas located under the red color. Because either the Moon on this day sets before the Sunset and/or the topocentric conjunction occurs after the Sunset.
The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid only from the areas located under the blue color.
The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid from the areas located under the magenta color. In these areas the crescent could be seen by naked eye if the atmospheric conditions are superb and the observer is experienced.
The crescent is expected to be easily visible by naked eye from the areas located under the green color.
The crescent cannot be seen from uncolored areas, even though the Moon sets in these locations after the Sunset and the topocentric conjunction occurs before the Sunset, but the Moon is not sufficiently illuminated in order to be seen as crescent even by optical aid.
Kindly notice that the below graph shows the possibility of seeing the crescent from areas between 60 degrees north of Equator down to 60 degrees south of Equator.

Monday 29 August 2011

Tuesday 30 August 2011

According to the Universal Hejric Calendar (UHC), which is based on the calculated crescent visibility, the start of this month in the Eastern Region will be on Tuesday 30 August 2011 and in the Western Region will be on Tuesday 30 August 2011. Kindly notice that the UHC is a pre-calculated calendar, which adopts a certain criterion to start the new Hejric month. Your country/organization might adopt different criterion to start the new Hejric month. So it is highly advised to read the UHC website before giving any judgment.

- Results of seeing the crescent, and the first day of the month in different countries will be added here Inshalla as we receive the reports from ICOP's members. If you wish to be a member in ICOP, or to know more about it, kindly click here.

Shawwal Waxing (NEW) Crescent Observation Results

Mon 29 August 2011

Algeria

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hocine Chikh Aissa from Ghardaia City in Ghardaia State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Hocine Chikh Aissa said: "The new crescent of shawwal 1432 was not seen ,The western horizon was partly cloudy and hazy. The Sun set Behind clouds at 19:10.the moon set in the same time at the sun, Takabal Allah EL siam wa EL kiam Aid mubarek for all Muslimen." "

2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Omar Tadjrouna from Ghardaia City in Ghardaia State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Omar Tadjrouna said: "place of observation: the hill of "Bou Nouar""

Germany

1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Photographed: ICOP member Eng. Martin Elsaesser from Munich City in Bavaria State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging

Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The young crescent could easily be imaged this morning around 10:30 (UT+2) (in daytime), at an elongation of 6.6°, using the established CCD system. Sky conditions were OK, but Cirrus-clouds and contrails were distracting. No chance to observe it here after sunset, as the moon sets 18 minutes before sunset. Even tomorrow the lag-time will be only 10 minutes.
 ملاحظة من الإدارة: لم ير الهلال بالعين المجردة ولا باستخدام التلسكوب. إنما تمت رؤية الهلال نهارا قبل غروب الشمس عن طريق تقنية التصوير الفلكي المتقدمة."

Nigeria

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Simwal Jibril from Kaduna City in Kaduna State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Simwal Jibril said: "The western horizon was very cloudy even sunset was not visible."

Qatar

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohammad Odeh from Doha City in Doha State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not seen by CCD Imaging

Saudi Arabia

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from Madinah City in Madinah State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was superb, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "Abdul Aziz Raje of Wifaqul Ulama UK was visiting Saudi Arabia for Umarah. He has reported joining the official Madinah Hilal Committee with 15 others from the UK, including many scholars. The sky condition was absolutely clear, but none of the group members were able to sight the Hilal. None of the other official Hilal Committee astronomers were able to sight the Hilal either, even with their telescopes. However, a few individuals from Riyadh have claimed sighting and the Supreme Court has accepted their claims. May Allah forgive us all for our mistakes and wish you all a happy Eid!"

2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola from Shmisi Mecca City in Mecca State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Abdul-Azeez Ishola said: "Asalam aleikun I and Dr. SAheed of Jizan with Dr Muhammed from Maiduguri went to search for the moon but it was not seen but claimed seen in Riyad
Happy Eid to u all"

3 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Boraidah City in Al Gaseem State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

South Africa

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim from Cape Town City in Western Province State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Dr. Abdurrazak Ebrahim said: "Some 15 000 to 20 000 Muslims were gathered at Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town, this evening. A mass Maghrib Salaah followed by people laying out blankets on the lawns adjoining the Atlantic Ocean and partaking in their meals. An inspiration sight and a fantastic experience. Wish all of you were here."

Trinidad and Tobago

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdurrahman Ali from cunupia City in none State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Abdurrahman Ali said: "The crescent was not seen in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados and Guyana. We will complete thirty days and the Eid will be celebrated on Wednesday 31st August 2011, Insha Allah."

United Kingdom

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Qamar Uddin from York City in North Yorkshire State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Eng. Qamar Uddin said: "On Monday 29 August 2011 (29 Ramadan 1432 AH) many people from throughout UK have attempted to sight the crescent moon (Hilal) of Shawwal after sunset. None of the groups were able to sight the Hilal, as most places were cloudy. Many thanks to all those who have sent their reports.

We have not received any verified/confirmed sighting reports from any countries east of UK/Morocco either. There was a slight possibility of sighting in South Africa but the United Ulama Board of South Africa have declared negative sighting (see attached announcement).

Therefore, the Wifaq/Batley Ulama have decided that the month of Ramadan 1432 AH will complete 30 days and Eid ul Fitr/1 Shawwal 1432 AH will be on Wednesday 31 August 2011, Insha-Allah. Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in the world.

The York group of observers included Maulana  Hasib Mayet, Maulana Imran Lunat, Vasiullah Bodiyat and Yahya Tai from Batley, plus Qamar Uddin."

United States

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Blacksburg City in Virginia State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "I arrived at my sighting location about 7:30 pm EDT (sunset: 7:55; apparent 7:50) and started scanning the expected area for the crescent, using a couple of pairs of binoculars (10X50 and 7X50).  I stayed there till 7:55 pm (moonset: 7:59 pm)."

Tue 30 August 2011

Algeria

1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Omar Tadjrouna from Ghardaia City in Ghardaia State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Omar Tadjrouna said: "place of observation: the hill of "Bou Nouar""

Australia

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Afroz Ali from Sydney City in NSW State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Afroz Ali said: "The crescent was sighted in multiple locations."

Bangladesh

1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. ABM Ruhul Hassan from Dhaka City in Dhaka State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. ABM Ruhul Hassan said: "The sky was clear in almost all parts of the country.The crescent was sighted just after the sunset coxsbazar ( sea shore area)"

Brunei Darussalam

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Hazarry Haji Ali Ahmad from Bukit Agok City in Bandar Seri Begawan State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Hazarry Haji Ali Ahmad said: "The astronomical society of Brunei Darussalam carried out the moon crescent observation at Agok Hill. The weather was couldy and the moon crescent was observed only for a few minutes at 18:55 local time, about 25 minutes after local sunset.

Assigned at vantage points throughout the country could  sight the new moon of Syawal 1432. The official announcement of the sighting was also made on Tv and Radio."

Ghana

1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra region State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "Mallam Yusif of Odoomser which is about 50 km from the Greater Accra region saw the new crescent for Shawaal with some of the community leaders.  He personally called me to tell me of the sighting, but a report from the Ashanti region, Kumasi said that the new crescent was sorely seen at 1800 hrs (Monday August 29.  Some muslims in the Greater Accra region also said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has sighted the new crecent in the Kingdom, hence Tuesday August 30 will be the Eid and indeed, some performed Eid prayers today.  Officially Ghana is celebrating the Eid on Wednesday, August 31, 2011."

Indonesia

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi from Surakarta City in Central Java State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was seen by telescope, the crescent was seen by CCD Imaging

Mr. AR Sugeng Riyadi said: "The New Cerscent of Syawwal 1432 AH was SEEN from Surakarta Indonesia, on Tuesday 30 August 2011."

Iran

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Alireza Mehrani from Tehran City in Tehran State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not sought by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Pakistan

1 . Time of observation: After sunset.Seen by others: ICOP member Mr. Alam Sultan from karachi City in sindh State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was very hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Alam Sultan said: "Today (Tuesday 30th August 2011), our some observers sighted the moon and central official moon sighting committee of Pakistan also received many positive reports hence it has been announced officially that Wednesday 31st August 2011 is 1st Shawwal (Eid-ul-fitr) 1432 in Pakistan. Nearly whole Pakistan was cloudy or hazy.
May Allah accept our good deeds and bless us a happy Eid.
"

Saudi Arabia

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Mr. Saleh Al-Saab from Onaizah City in AlGaseem State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not seen by binocular, the crescent was seen by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

United Arab Emirates

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Not Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohammad Odeh from Ras Al-Khaimah City in Ras Al-Khaimah State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

United States

1 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Mohammad Rahman from Houston City in Texas State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Eng. Mohammad Rahman said: "I saw the crescent moon today evening with bare eyes on 30 August 2011. Our Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on 31 August, Wednesday in Houston city of Texas. Eid Mubarak to all."

2 . Time of observation: After sunset. Seen: ICOP member Dr. Javad Torabinejad from Blacksburg City in VA State mentioned that the sky was partly cloudy, the atmospheric condition was hazy, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Dr. Javad Torabinejad said: "My first binocular (7X50) sighting was at 3:57 pm EDT followed by naked eye sighting.  The horns were at 12:30 and 5:00 O'clock (12:30;2:30;5:00).  The sky was partly cloudy and hazy.

Later in the evening,  the crescent was spotted at 8:26 pm in a hazy and partly cloudy western horizon (sunset: 7:53 pm EDT; apparent sunset: 7:49 pm).  I arrived at my sighting location at 7:32 pm and using the pair of binoculars started scanning the expected location in the clearings.  The first sighting was at 8:16 pm when the crescent appeared in an opening; at this time the crescent was about 2-3 degrees above horizon.  It soon disappeared behind the clouds only to reappear again and set around 8:27 pm (actual moonset: 8:33 pm EDT)"

The OFFICIAL First Day in Different Countries

Tue 30 August 2011

1 . Algeria
2 . Bahrain
3 . Egypt
4 . Iraq
5 . Jordan
6 . Kuwait
7 . Lebanon
8 . Malaysia
9 . Mauritania
10 . Nigeria
11 . Palestine
12 . Qatar
13 . Saudi Arabia
14 . Sudan
15 . Syria
16 . Tunisia
17 . Turkey
18 . United Arab Emirates
19 . Yemen

Wed 31 August 2011

1 . Australia
2 . Bangladesh
3 . Brunei Darussalam
4 . Ghana
5 . Indonesia
6 . Iran
7 . Libya
8 . Morocco
9 . Oman
10 . Pakistan
11 . South Africa
12 . Trinidad and Tobago
13 . United Kingdom
14 . United States

When to Observe Ramadan Waning (OLD) Crescent ?

The geocentric conjunction (Geocentric New Moon) will occur Inshalla on (Monday 29 August 2011) at 03:04 UT.

Sighting the OLD crescent on (Monday 29 August 2011) and on (Sunday 28 August 2011) is shown in the below graphs using the program Accurate Times by Mohammad Odeh according to Odeh criterion. Where:-

It is impossible to see the OLD crescent from the areas located under the red color. Because either the Moon on this day rises after the Sunrise and/or the topocentric conjunction occurs before the Sunrise.
The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid only from the areas located under the blue color.
The crescent is expected to be seen by optical aid from the areas located under the magenta color.. In these areas the crescent could be seen by naked eye if the atmospheric conditions are superb and the observer is experienced.
The crescent is expected to be easily visible by naked eye from the areas located under the green color.
The crescent cannot be seen from uncolored areas, even though the Moon rises in these locations before the Sunrise and the topocentric conjunction occurs after the Sunrise, but the Moon is not sufficiently illuminated in order to be seen as crescent even by optical aid.
Kindly notice that the below graph shows the possibility of seeing the crescent from areas between 60 degrees north of Equator down to 60 degrees south of Equator.

Monday 29 August 2011

Sunday 28 August 2011

Ramadan Waning (OLD) Crescent Observation Results

Sun 28 August 2011

Germany

1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Eng. Martin Elsaesser from Munich City in Bavaria State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was seen by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Eng. Martin Elsaesser said: "The old crescent on 28. August could easily be seen with small binoculars, but naked eye sighting was unsure. The sky conditions were quite good, after a cold front had cleaned the air and cooled the temperature to 8°C. While still low on the horizon, the crescent arc appeared quite distorted."

Ghana

1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Not Seen: ICOP member Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang from Accra City in Greater Accra region State mentioned that the sky was totally cloudy, the atmospheric condition was very hazy, the crescent was not seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Mr. Abdul-Aziz Anyang said: "All the ten regional capital was misty and cloudy with small pockets of rainfall so waning crescent was not seen."

Iraq

1 . Time of observation: Before sunrise. Seen: ICOP member Dr. AbdulSattar M. Khidhir from Mosul City in Ninavah State mentioned that the sky was clear, the atmospheric condition was clear, the crescent was seen by naked eye, the crescent was not sought by binocular, the crescent was not sought by telescope, the crescent was not sought by CCD Imaging

Dr. AbdulSattar M. Khidhir said: "The old crescent was seen by my group (4 persons including me)> The crescent was seen when it elevation becomes > 1 degree. It stays visible between 15-20 minutes. "

Videos and Articles Confirming the Impossibility of Sighting the Crescent on Monday from the Arabic World

Dr. Kahlan Al-Kharousi / Omani Grand Mufti Assistant, clarifying the Omani decision to have Eid on Wednesday, days before the sighting day, and mentioning the impossibility of sighting the crescent on Monday.

Dr. Al-Sadeq Al-Gheryani / President of Libyan Higher Ifta' Council, clarifying the the Libyan decision to have Eid on Wednesday, and emphasizing on the impossibility of sighting the crescent on Monday.

The Islamic Crescents Observation Project (ICOP) coverage on Aljazeera Mubasher channel on 29 Ramadan. The participants were: Prof. Nidhal Guessoum (Astronomy Professor in the American University in Sharjah), Dr. Hayman Metwally (Astronomy Professor in Cairo University), Mohammad Odeh (ICOP Chairman) and Prof. Ali Al-Qorradaghi (Professor and Head of Fiqh Department in Qatar University and the Secretary General of the International Union for Muslim Scholars). All confirming the impossibility of seeing the crescent on Monday.