These homepages are your link to some of the latest astronomical information on
Hilal (Crescent Moon) Sighting and New Moon Data,
in USA/Canada and around the world.
(These homepages are under continuous improvement.)
May Allah (swt) Bless and Reward all those who try and sight the Hilal (Crescent Moon), amin.
Some persons have suggested that there could be additional "sightings" possibly from Philadelphia, PA and/or from Connecticut. I do not have any information on them and if anyone has any contact information please do forward that to me via email.
Additional Astronomical Information is being shared:
New Moon on 30 August 2008 at 3:58 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Phase of the Moon on 31 August: waxing crescent
with 1% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Info for: Sunday, 31 August 2008, Eastern Daylight Time.
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
(longitude W75.2, latitude N40.0):
*** SUN Sunset 7:33 p.m.
*** MOON Moonset 7:48 p.m.
Moonset Minus Sunset = 0:15 minutes
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
W 75Deg 09Min, N 40Deg 00Min, Eastern Standard Time
SUN Altitude Azimuth
(E of N)
18:35 -1.2 281.8
MOON Altitude Azimuth Fraction
(E of N) Illuminated
18:35 2.0 267.6 0.02
MOON Minus SUN:
Altitude Azimuth
(E of N)
3.2Deg -14.2Deg (Left of Sun)
New York, New York
(longitude W73.9, latitude N40.7):
*** SUN Sunset 7:29 p.m.
*** MOON Moonset 7:43 p.m.
Moonset Minus Sunset = 0:14 minutes
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
W 73Deg 55Min, N 40Deg 44Min, Eastern Standard Time
SUN Altitude Azimuth
(E of N)
18:30 -1.1 281.8
MOON Altitude Azimuth Fraction
18:30 2.0 267.6 0.02
MOON Minus SUN:
Altitude Azimuth
(E of N)
3.1Deg -14.2Deg (Left of Sun)
From the above Scientific Information we can easily see that the
Moon is very low and close to the Sun in the North East of USA/Canada
(the Moon is only around 3 degrees above the Sun). At this low
altitude (height above the Sun) it is IMPOSSIBLE for a Crescent
Moon to be seen with unaided eyes as well as binoculars or telescopes.
Hence, ANY APPARENT Hilal sightings on the evening of Sunday 31 August
2008 from anywhere in the North-East of USA/Canada IS NOT AUTHENTIC.
1 Sep 2008 CE, 1:00 EDST
I was contacted by one of the shaikhs of a masjid from Albany/Troy, NY,
of a possible Hilal sighting on the evening of Sunday 31 August 2008.
I will first report the information that they had offered and then I will analyze it for "authentication" inshallah.
I called Br. A.K. (I am only mentioning the initials to protect the privacy of
the individuals) and his report had the following summary:
He, along with 6 others, was looking for the Hilal. Maghrib was around 7:30pm.
He saw something at around 7:37pm. It was to the left of the Sun (which had set).
It was about 4 "finger widths" high above the horizon
(each finger width at a distance of an arm's length from the eye is ~1-1/2 degrees).
The sky was clear and there were no clouds.
I then called Br. A.Q. and his report had the following summary:
He, along with others, arrived at the place around 7:15pm.
It was a cliff at the edge of a mountain. The horizon was clear, no clouds.
He suggested to the group to look away from the Sun and also to close
their eyes so that they would be able to see clearly (dark adapted).
After about 8 to 10 minutes they looked at the expected location of a Hilal,
to the top and to the left of the Sun that had already set.
One of the group and a few others saw something and thought it was
probably an aeroplane. After some time (~3 minutes) they noticed that it
was not moving. Then they started to look at it more keenly.
It had a curvature and was thin at the ends and thicker in the middle.
The whole object was very thin. He could see it for about 5 minutes and
then it disappeared (did not set on the horizon). The apparant Hilal
was about 7 finger-widths to the left of the Sun and it was also
7 finger-widths above the horizon. The orientation of the ends of the
apparent Hilal were starting from 1 O'Clock to the middle at 3.5 O'Clock
and ending at around 5 O'Clock. (Imagine a clock in the sky, with
12 O'Clock at the top, 3 O'Clock to the right, 6 O'Clock at the bottom, and
9 O'Clock to the left.)
I will first start by stating that may Allah (subhana wa tala)
Bless and Reward all those who went to try and see the Hilal of Ramadan.
I will now share some scientific information:
Albany, NY; Lat: North 42 Deg 40 Min, Long West 73 Deg 47 Min
Sunset at 7:30pm local time (18:30 Eastern Standard Time)
At Sunset time:
Moon Altitude (height above horizon) = 1.8 Deg
Moon Azimuth (horizontal angle East of North) = 267.6 Deg
Sun Altitude (height above horizon) = -0.8 Deg
Sun Azimuth (horizontal angle East of North) = 281.9 Deg
Difference between Moon and Sun (Moon minus Sun):
Altitude = 2.6 Deg (Moon above Sun)
Azimuth = -14.3 Deg (Moon to left of Sun)
From the above scientific information we can clearly see that
the reported apparent sightings were too high for a Hilal to
exist at the reported locations:
(4 finger-widths = 6 Deg, 7 finger-widths = 10.5 Deg)
In addition, with an actual Lunar (Moon) altitude of only 2.6 Deg
above the Sun, there would be very bright twilight and the Hilal
would NOT be visible to the unaided eye.
Hence, in my humble opinion, the persons had seen something but
it was NOT A HILAL.
It is with a heavy heart (because of a lack of unity in North America)
that I have to announce that there were NO AUTHENTIC sightings of the
Hial in North America on the evening of Sunday 31 Aughust 2008.
I talked to some who had seen something from Albany, NY but upon verification it was determined that they had seen something
but it was NOT A HILAL.
The major Islamic Organizations (other than ISNA) are starting Ramadan
1429 AH from Tue 2 Sept 2008. (By mistake earlier I had writen
Tue 1 Sept 2008.)
These organizations are:
ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America)
Chicago Hilal Committee (for all of greater Chicago)
Zaytuna Institute
Shariah Board of America
Ulema Council of North America
Despite clear skies in many places NO HILAL WAS VISIBLE from New York,
New Jersey, Chicago, Texas, California, Toronto.
Ramadan Kareem to all, and may Allah swt Bless, Guide and Help all Muslims
and all others around the world, amin.
Dr. Mohib. N. Durrani.
13 Sep 2007 CE, 16:00 EDST
I was contacted (in the afternoon of 13 Sep 2007) by a brother who, along with his wife, had reported an apparant sighting of a Hilal by both of them from near Morton Grove, IL. The report was made by the wife to MEC (Muslim Education Center ?) in the early night of 12 Sep 2007. For the sake of privacy, the initials of the brother are M.K. The wife also called me and gave her report. A summary of their reports follows:
The brother stated that the Maghrib Adhan was heard and while looking outside a window he had seen one of the brightest Moon that he had ever seen. It was a very thin line between the trees and it disappeared after about 5 minutes. The height of the Moon was around 30 degrees above the horizon.
The sister stated that she saw the Moon through the same window as her husband. It was slanted upwards from around 9 O'Clock at one end to about 7 O'Clock in the middle to about 5 O'Clock at the other end. The opening (between the ends of the Moon curve) was towards the right while facing the Moon.
Based on the information mentioned by both the brother and his wife, it is my humble opinion that they had both NOT SEEN THE HILAL, they had seen something other than a Hilal. This is based on the brother stating that the Moon was too high in the sky (nearly 30 degrees above the horizon) and the incorrect orientation stated by the sister, opening towards the right, when it should be opening towards the left since the Moon would be to the Left of the Sun.
If any committee (whether in Chicago or elsewhere) has taken this report as valid in announcing the start of the month of Ramadan based on a criteria of actual visible sighting of a Hilal (Crescent Moon), then that decision should be revisited, in my humble opinion.
13 Sep 2007 CE, 10:00 EDST
I was contacted (on the morning of 13 Sep 2007) by a brother who had reported an apparant sighting of a Hilal from near Chicago, on the evening of Wed 12 Sep 2007, to the Hilal Sighting Committee of Greater Chicago (I could not establish from him the exact name of the Hilal Sighting Committee).
May Allah swt Bless and Reward him for making the apparant Hilal Sighting report, amin. To protect the identity of the individual (and avoid another barrage of telephone calls to him) I am only including some of the details about him. The brother saw the apparant Hilal from near Gurnie, IL and his name has the following initials: S.A.
The following is a summary of his report (some are answers to my questions for clarifications):
"I was driving West near Gurnee, Illinois, when I saw a thin silver line high in the sky. It was NOT low in the sky, the usual Hilal's were quite low. This silver line was from about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees above the ground (horizontal). The silver line became brighter as the reddish glow of the western twilight sky was becoming darker."
From these statements, because of the great height (angle) of the apparant Hilal above the horizon, what the person had seen was NOT THE HILAL, in my humble opinion. The Hilal near Chicago on the evening of Wed 12 Sep 2007 would be much lower than the reported 35 degrees from the horizon.
If any committee (whether in Chicago or elsewhere) has taken this report as valid in announcing the start of the month of Ramadan based on a criteria of actual visible sighting of a Hilal (Crescent Moon), then that decision should be revisited, in my humble opinion.
11 Sep 2007 CE, 23:00 EDST
I have added a link to a MSWord document giving details of probabilites of visually SIGHTING a Hilal from North America (USA & Canada) for Ramadan 1427 AH (evening of 11, 12, and 13 September 2007) and Shawwal 1427 AH (evening of 11, 12, and 13 October 2007).
It is recommended that we follow our local masajid in the start and end of the Islamic months. Those of us who are given the "Trust of Knowledge" can share that trust with the decision makers in an Islamic, intelligent and respectful manner. May Allah swt Help and Guide all of us, amin.
23 Oct 2006 CE, 17:00 EDST
As Salaamu Alykum to all.
Many of us would be able to see the Hilal of Shawwal 1427 AH, in North America, this evening of Monday 23 October 2006, inshallah.
The Hilal will be comparatively easy to see, "high" in the sky, and will be in the sky for a "long" time after local Sunset. It is expected that many may say that this is a "second" day Hilal. It is in reality a "FIRST" day Hilal.
As of now, we have NOT received any authenticated Hilal Sighting reports from anywhere in North America.
22 Oct 2006 CE, 28:00 EDST
As Salaamu Alykum to all.
This webpage will be regularly updated with any information on Hilal Sighting in North America, inshallah.
There is absolutely NO PROBABILITY that a Hilal (Crescent Moon) will be visible in North America
nor in any places EAST of North America on the evening of Sunday, 22 October 2006.
If anyone wants to reconfirm what they may have seen in North America, please email me at:
mnd0@Columbia.Edu
with your contact information and I will contact you, inshallah. Please make sure that you include the following:
Your Name (Last Name, First Name):
Date of Sighting Moon (please spell out the month):
Your location: City, State (if possible, Latitude and Longitude):
Time of local Sunset:
Time when the Moon was seen:
Height of the Moon above Horizon, when seen: (degrees)
(One Finger Width at an arm's distance from our eye is approximately 1-1/2 degrees.)
Whether the Moon was to the Right or Left of the Sun:
The Start, the Middle, and the End of the curve of the Moon:
Start ____, Middle _____, End ____ O'Clock.
(Imagine a vertical Clock Face in the Sky with:
12 O'Clock at the Top, 3 O'Clock at the Right,
6 O'Clock at the Bottom, and 9 O'Clock at the Left.)
Your age:
Your Home Telephone No:
Your Cell Telephone No:
Your Masjid Telephone:
Have you looked for a Hilal: Regularly _____, Usually ______, Sometimes ______, Rarely ______.
Mohib.
19 Oct 2006 CE, 28:00 EDST
As Salaamu Alykum to all.
May Allah swt Accept all our prayers and Devotions during this Blessed month of Ramadan. There are only a few days/nights left. Please do remember to pray of Peace and Prosperity for Muslims all over the world and for all people and all creation.
The following is the ASTRONOMICAL INFORMATION for
Hilal (Crescent Moon) sighting probabilities
at Makkah (SArabia) and at North America (USA & Canada) for
Eid-ul-Fitr (Shawwal) 1427 AH.
The Astronomical New Moon (ANM) is on
Sunday 22 October 2006 CE at 5:13 (UTC) Greenwich Time.
Hilal Sighting Information for the evening of Sunday 22 Oct 2006:
CITY........ Lat. Longt Zone SSet. MSet. Moon@SSet Hilal
....................... -UT. StndrdTime. Alt. Azm. Sighting
On the evening of Sunday 22 October 2006 CE
it is IMPOSSIBLE for the Hilal (Crescent Moon) to be visible in
Makkah (SArabia) nor anywhere in North America.
Hence, for those who want to have Eid-Fitr based on actual Hilal Sighting within their country, Eid-ul-Fitr 1427 AH CANNOT BE ON MONDAY 23 OCTOBER 2006 CE.
Eid-ul-Fitr will most probably be on Tuesday 24 October 2006 CE,
for those who want to base their Islamic Months
on actual Hilal Sighting within their country.
31 Aug 2006 CE
Revised 24 Sep 2006 CE
Please note that the Islamic Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) has suggested
Islamic Dates (1427-1432AH: 2006-2011CE)
based on a "Generic Criteria",
INDEPENDENT OF ACTUAL HILAL SIGHTINGS.
The FCNA has applied this "generic criteria" to North America.
[Dr.Mohib. Durrani's opinion: The above "generic criteria" is quite general
and can be applied equally to both North and South America.
This "generic criteria" has absolutely NO CONSISTENT CORRELATION
to actual Hilal sightings within North America.]
23 Sep 2006 CE, 22:00 EDST
Revised 8 Oct 2006 CE
As Salaamu Alykum to all.
The Chicago Hilal Committee [earlier I had mentioned: Muslim Community Center (MCC) of Chicago]
has confirmed that there were valid Hilal sightings
at San Diego, California, and in Dallas, Texas.
Hence Ramadan, on the basis of actual Hilal Sighting in
North America, starts from maghrib of Sat 23 Sep 2006.
The 1st day of Ramadan 1427 AH in North America is the shared day of Sun 24 Sep 2006,
based on the criteria of actual Hilal sighting in North America (USA/Canada).
Ramadan Mubarak to all.
Please remember to pray for all the muslims throughout the world and for all of creation.
Mohib.
23 Sep 2006 CE, 21:00 EDST
As Salaamu Alykum to all.
We will keep all informed of any Hilal reports that were made, inshallah.
If you have seen the Hilal you can reach me via email at mnd0@Columbia.Edu
I will update this website with results and you need not call to find the results.
Mohib.
23 Sep 2006 CE, 8:00 EDST
Revised 21:30 EST
As Salaamu Alykum to all.
It was brought to my attention that there were possible Hilal Sightings in Texas
on the evening of Fri 22 Sep 2006. I tried to contact as many of the persons as possible
and was successful in talking with three of the five from Denton, TX.
I was also surprised to see in the internet that there were reported Hilal Sightings
in United Kingdom (Britain) and also in Saudi Arabia on the evening of Fri Sep 22, 2006!
Let us first see some astronomical information:
Alt = Altitude = Height of Moon at local Sunset time
Azm = Azimuth = Horizontal distance of Moon from Sun
Zone-UT = Time difference between City and Universal Time (UT)
Information for possible Date of Sighting, evening of:
20060922, Fri 22 September 2006.
CITY:....... LAT:: LONG Zone Sun: Moon: Alt:. Azm:. SIGHTING
:...................... -UT: Set: Set:. Ht:.. Horz: PROBABILITY
Makkah,SArba 21.5:. 39.8: 3 18:17 18:17 -0.14 -1.49 IMPOSSIBLE
:.. (Makkah:... Moonset BEFORE Sunset, see negative Altitude)
Add 1 hour to event time during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from early April to end of October in Northern Hemisphere.
For a Hilal to be seen we HAVE TO WAIT for a few minutes after local Sunset
so that the bright light of the twilight sky can diminish and
the light of the Hilal can be seen.
Please note that the thickness of one (1) finger held horizontally at an arm's length
from our eye is on the average only one-and-a-half (1-1/2) degrees.
The information for Denton, TX is similar to Houston, TX.
For Houston, Texas, the Moon sets only about eight (8) minutes after Sunset.
All three persons from Denton, TX, mentioned that they had seen the Moon
approximately thirteen (13) minutes after local sunset.
The Moon had actually set approximately only 8 minutes after Sunset and
hence at 13 minutes after Sunset there was NO MOON to be seen.
The height of the Moon at the time of local Sunset, on Fri 22 Sep 2006 for Houston,
was only about 1.5 degrees.
Two of the persons mentioned that they had seen the Moon about one-quarter (1/4) way up in the sky.
I interpreted that as 1/4 * 90 degrees = 22.5 degrees above the horizon, 13 minutes after local Sunset.
Thus, what was seen was too high for a possible location of a Hilal.
The Moon was approximately ONLY 1-1/5 degrees above the Sun at the time of local Sunset.
Based on all the above astronomical information, in my opinion, the persons from Texas saw some thing,
but IT WAS NOT THE MOON!
The Moon had set BEFORE the Sun in England and at Makkah, hence, in my opinion,
the persons at both these places saw something, but IT WAS NOT THE MOON!
The Hilal was NOT EXPECTED to be sighted anywhere in North America (USA/Canada)
on the evening of Fri 22 Sep 2006, nor any place east of these places.
Statement issued by the Fiqh Council of North America since September 2002:
Statement of the Fiqh Council of North America, SSANA, ISNA and ICNA
Concerning the Determination of Eidul Adha.
Last year, the Fiqh Council of North America recommended to the Shura Council of North America
that the determination of Eidul Adha be based on sighting the Crescent in North America.
This recommendation was based on numerous Fatwas of several prominent scholars from various parts of the world.
They indicated that there is no sound basis for distinction between the determination of Ramadan and Eidul Adha,
either by unity of Matlaa or difference of Matlaa.
A long-standing position of the Fiqh Council has been to determine the beginning and end of Ramadan
on the basis of sighting the crescent in North America.
Determination of Eidul Adha on the same basis was seen as being more consistent.
Furthermore, a considerable segment of the Muslim community in North America appeared more inclined to the above Fatwas.
It was the best estimate of the Fiqh Council that by adopting theses Fatwas, there may be greater unity among Muslims.
The Fiqh Council's recommendation was contingent on educating the Muslim community prior to Eid
about the impending change and the reasons behind in. This did not materialize.
Due to the unfamiliarity with this information prior to Eidul Adha, heated discussions and
lesser unity occurred in several communities, contrary to what was hoped.
There is room in Islamic Fiqh to adopt a weaker, but still acceptable opinion
if that achieves greater benefit (maslaha); in that case greater unity.
Therefore, the Fiqh Council recommends the restoration of the previous method of determination of
Eidul Adha to follow the announcement in Makkah about the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah.
It is hoped that this recommendation will bring greater unity, though not unanimity.
We strongly urge the Muslim community in North America to show greater unity by following the announcements of
the Shura Council of North America which includes ISNA, ICNA, MAS.
The Fiqh Council recommends, however, that the determining of
Ramadan and Eidul Fitr should continue to be based on the sighting of the crescent in North America.
A minimum standard of unity is to celebrate Eid on the same day on the metro area level.
Meanwhile, the Fiqh Council shall continue to consult other scholars and to work with the authorities
who decide the timing of Hajj, until this issue is resolved.
September 2002
10:30 am EST, 3 Jan 2006 CE
The Fiqh Council of North America has made the following announcement
for Eid ul-Adha 1426 AH:
Eid Ul-Adha Announcement
In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful
Fiqh Council announces that Eid Ul-Adha will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2006.
First day of Dhul Hijjah 1426 is Sunday, January 1, 2006 and so
the Idul Adha will be In ShaaAllah on Tuesday, January 10, 2006.
The Fiqh Council of North America has made this decision based on its criteria
to determine the day of Eid Ul-Adha in solidarity with the Hujjaj
who will have the Day of Arafah this year on January 9, 2006.
We pray to Allah subhanahu wa taala to bless us all and
to accept the devotion of millions of Muslims
who are gathered in Makkah for Hajj. Ameen.
10:30 pm EST, 31 Dec 2005 CE
Revised 1:00 pm EST, 1 Jan 2006 CE
As Salaamu Alykum,
As of now, 10:30 pm EST on Sat 31 Dec 2005, there have been NO Hilal sighting reports for all of
contiguous North America (i.e. excluding Hawaii and Alaska).
2:00 pm EST, 25 Dec 2005 CE
As Salaamu Alykum,
For places in and around Makkah, it is IMPOSSIBLE for the Hilal of Zul-Hajj 1426 AH to
be seen on the evening of Sat 31 Dec 2005 CE by either unaided eye or by aided eye
sighting (telescope or binocular).
Hence for places in and aound Makkah, astronomically, the first sighting of the Hilal of
Zul-Hajj 1426 AH would be in the evening of Sun 1 Jan 2006 CE with the first shared DAY being
Sun 2 Jan 2006 CE, inshallah. Thus 10 Zul-Hajj 1426 AH for around Makkah would be
the DAY of Wed 11 Jan 2006 CE, inshallah.
From South Africa to South America with some parts of Southern North America the
first sightings of the Hilal of Zul-Hajj 1426 AH could be on the evening of Sat 31 Dec 2005 CE.
Thus the first DAY of 1 Zul-Hajj 1426 AH for these locations could be Sun 1 Jan 2006 and
hence 10 Zul-Jajj (Eid-ul-Adha) could be on Tue 10 Jan 2006 CE.
It is to be noted that the Fiqh Council of North America had decided that it would follow
the decision from Makkah unless it is in contradiction with astronomical information.
The Islamic Shura Council of North America and the Fiqh Council of North America have
decided that since there were no credible Hilal sightings on the evening of Monday 3 October 2005 CE,
hence 30 days of Shaban 1426 AH will be completed and Ramadan 1426 AH for North America will
start from the day of Wednessday 5 October 2005 CE. RAMADAN KAREEM.
Taravih prayers will start from the Ishan prayers of Tueday 4 October 2005.
10:30 pm EST, 03 Oct 2005 CE
As Salaamu Alykum to all,
The Islamic Shura Council of North America and the Fiqh Council of North America have evaluated
the reports of three possible "sightings" from:
a. Columbus, Ohio
b. Lawrence, Kansas
c. Denver, Colorado
The reports from all three locations indicate that something was seen but it was NOT the Hilal (Crescent Moon).
Details of each will be posted shortly at this website, inshallah.
12:30 am EST, 04 Oct 2005 CE
We received additional reports from the following locations of possible "sightings"
after the decision of the Islamic Shura Council and the Fiqh Council of North America:
d. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
e. South Gate, Michigan
f. Tampa, Arizona
The reports from these three additional locations also indicate that someting was seen
but it was NOT the Hilal (Crescent Moon).
Details of each will be posted shortly at this website, inshallah.
The following is the current ISNA position for Hilal Sightings of 1426 AH.
"The Islamic Society of North America, in consultation with the Fiqh Council of North America,
will follow the position taken by the Islamic Shura Council of North America , which is:
A CONFIRMED CRESCENT SIGHTING REPORT IN NORTH AMERICA WILL BE ACCEPTED AS LONG AS
SUCH A REPORT DOES NOT CONTRADICT INDISPUTABLE ASTRONOMICAL INFORMATION.
Confirmation of astronomical information and associated possibility of
moon sighting will be based on the majority-based recommendation of
an independent team of Muslim astronomical consultants."
ASTRONOMICAL INFORMATION FOR 3 OCT 2005 CE
The following is an astronomical analysis of the circumstances of
the Moon and the Sun for comparison with the Hilal "sighting" reports in North America for
the month of Ramadan 1426 AH on the evening of Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE.
An initial look at the circumstances of the Sun and Moon at the time of local Sunset on the
evening of Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE for many cities in North America, and the world, can be seen at:
From that webpage it can easily be seen that for North America the altitude (vertical height)
of the Moon above the Sun varied from the very low values of one (1) degree to three (3) degrees.
Places at the higher latitudes (further North of the equator) had the lower altitude of
the Moon of only one (1) degree!
To obtain a physical feel of this very small one (1) degree altitude (vertical angle) of
the Moon above the Sun we can keep one of our horizontal fingers (say the index pointing
first finger) at an arm's length from our eye (arm is outstreatched in front of us).
Then the thickness of this one finger at an arm's length would subtend an angle of
around 1-1/2 (one and a half) degrees.
Hence, the Moon in the northern cities would be from less than one finger to
less than two finger widths away from the Sun.
We also know that there is a considerable brightness of the twilight sky near the Sun
even when the Sun has set and is below the horizon. This particular Moon in the evening of
Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE is very close to the Sun (vertical angle) and hence it was
IMPOSSIBLE for the Moon to be seen anywhere in North America and also in the world.
You can see a relationship of the altitude (vertical angle) and azimuth (horizontal angle)
difference of the Moon from the Sun for the Moon to be seen as a Hilal (Crescent Moon)
from the curves at:
From the curves you will note the it is IMPOSSIBLE for any Hilal to be seen when the
Moon's circumstances are below the lowest RED curve on the diagram. The minimum altitude
(vertical height) of the Moon from the Sun at the center of the diagram is around 5.5 degrees.
All places in North America had an altitude of equal to or less than only 3 degrees which is
less than the 5.5 degrees. Hence it was IMPOSSIBLE for any sighting of the Hilal in North
America on the evening of Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE.
The following are each of the six (6) city reports and their analysis.
The first three reports were shared with the Islamic Fiqh Council, the Islamic Shura council and
the astronomy consultants during the teleconverence at 10pm EDST on Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE.
The details of the remaining three reports were
emailed to them later along with the details of the first three reports.
All were naked-eye sighting reports and none had used any optical aids like binoculars or telescopes.
I have first reported most of what an individual mentions and I have included my comments
for clarification within square brackets [ ... .. .]. The time given by the reporters are
their local time. Then I have included the astronomical analysis.
If any of the reporters need to make additional comments on what they had shared earlier,
they can contact me at my email address, given above.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward all the persons who had reported their findings and
also Bless and Reward all those who are involved in the coordination of the reports, amin.
COLUMBUS OHIO: Report taken 8:30 pm EDST 3 Oct 2005 CE
The brother mentioned that he had gone to a tower and was on the 15th floor about 20 minutes
before local Sunset. The horizon was visible and there was a small mountain in the western
direction. There were some clouds that were both horizontal and oblique. There were the trees,
then higher up some mountain, then higher up the "gray thing" [layer of haze].
Sunset occured at 7:11 pm above some trees and the Sun had disappeared BEFORE it reached
the horizon because of the gray thing.
At around 7:04 pm [BEFORE SUNSET] he started seeing a vertical line, almost straight
with very slight curvature. This was to the left of the Sun. He had first seen it
about 10 minutes BEFORE Sunset. It was about three (3) fingers [~4.5 degrees] above the trees.
It [Moon] was almost on the "gray thing" [top of the haze line]. It disappeared at 7:11 pm.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward him for his report, amin.
Astronomical Analysis: The individual saw something BEFORE the local Sunset time
with unaided eyes for a possible first date VERY THIN Hilal, which is IMPOSSIBLE.
Hence the individual did NOT SEE A HILAL.
LAWRENCE KANSAS: Report taken 9:15 pm EDST 3 Oct 2005 CE
There were four men and one of them spoke with me (Mohib). I (Mohib) could not speak with the other
three. He mentioned that the Sunset was around 6:59 pm. About 1-1/2 to 3 minutes after Sunset he
saw a white fiber to the right of the Sun. It stayed for about 2-1/2 minutes, and seemed like a
circle from 12 O'Clock to 1 to 2 to 3 O'Clock positions of an imaginary clock in the sky.
The height of the white fiber was such that if you keep your thumb horizontal with the horizon and
your index pointing first finger vertical then the white fiber was at the top of the index finger
when your hand is all the way in front of your eyes. [This would be about 7 finger widths which
is equal to about 10 degrees.]
May Allah swt Bless and Reward him for his report, amin.
Astronomical Analysis: The Moon was only about equal to less than 3 degrees from
the Sun at the time of local Sunset. The white fiber was too high in the sky (7 degrees,
after Sunset) from the Sun.
Hence the individual did NOT SEE A HILAL.
DENVER COLORADO: Report taken 9:20 pm EDST 3 Oct 2005 CE
There were three men that were together, only two had seen something and each of the two
gave a separate report. One was of the two is an Imam of the Masjid.
The first person stated that the sky was very clear and it was his first time looking for a Hilal.
He was instructed by the other person to look between two trees and he saw a horizontal straight
line that later had a very tiny curve as it was going down. He could not tell whether the line was
to the left or right of the Sun as the Sun had already set. There were some mountains in the
western direction and the sky was very clear. He saw the line about 1 or 2 finger widths
above the mountains. He was not sure if what he saw was a Hilal also because it was his
first time looking for a Hilal.
The Imam had stated that the local Sunset was around 6:39 pm. Around 6:50 pm and for about
2 to 3 minutes he saw a very small straight up-and-down line very close to the Sunset location
and then it became curved. This was to the left of the Sun. There were some clouds that covered
about 1/4 of the Moon. The final shape of the curved line was like a "C" with the ends pointing
downward.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward them for their reports, amin.
Astronomical Analysis: The first observer was not sure if he had seen the Hilal and
the information was not definite. The second observer (Imam) had mentioned that the shape was an
upside down "C" with the ends pointing down. A Hilal's ends will always point away from the Sun.
Hence the individuals did NOT SEE A HILAL.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: Report taken 10:55 pm EDST 3 Oct 2005 CE
There were two men, a father and a 20 year old son who had seen something.
The father mentioned that Sunset was at around 6:45 pm. The Moon was visible about 5 minutes after
Sunset from 6:51 to 6:55 pm. Could see the Moon for 4 to 5 minutes.
The Moon was to the left of the Sun and was about 2 to 3 fingers higher than the horizon.
The ends of the Moon were pointing away from the Sun and the curve can be characterized as
starting at 1 O'Clock to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 to 7 O'Clock position.
The son was contacted later (12:50 am EDST 4 Oct 2005 CE). The son had taken an introductory course
in Astronomy. He mentioned that at 6:50 pm the Sun had already set. There were no clouds nearby.
The Crescent was not very big and was to the left of the Sun. The curved side was reflecting from
the side closer to the Sun. The curve was from 3 O'Clock to 4 to 5 to 6 to 7 O'Clock position.
The Crescent was only about 1 or 2 finger widths above the horizon. The place of observation was
close to sea level and there was very little light pollution.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward them for their reports, amin.
Astronomical Analysis: At the location of Vancouver BC the latitude of the place is
quite north of the equator and the altitude (vertical height) of the Moon at the time of local
Sunset was calculated to be only 1 degree. This 1 degree is very close to the Sun and much below
the 5.5 degree limit and hence it was something other than a Hilal that both of them had seen.
Hence the individuals did NOT SEE A HILAL.
SOUTH GATE, MICHIGAN: Report taken 11:15 pm EDST 3 Oct 2005 CE
The individual and his wife reported that they had seen the Crescent Moon. I (Mohib) spoke only
with the husband. The Sunset was at 7:20 pm and there were clouds above and below the Crescent.
He could not say whether the Moon was to the right or to the left of the Sun. They were looking
in the direction of "Maghrib" [Western direction] and after about 15 minutes of looking they were
able to see the Moon around 7:16 pm [BEFORE SUNSET]. They were able to see the Moon for about
5 minutes. The curvature of the Crescent was from 2 O'Clock to 3 to 4 to 5 O'Clock positions.
The Crescent was very high, around 35 degrees from the horizon, with the vertical
being 90 degrees.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward them for his report, amin.
Astronomical Analysis:The reported altitude of 35 degrees is too high for any Moon
in North America on the evening of Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE.
Hence the individual did NOT SEE A HILAL.
TAMPE, ARIZONA: Report taken 12:30 am EDST 4 Oct 2005 CE
Dr.Shaikh Muhammad Nur Abdullah and I (Mohib) were able to talk to the individual.
He mentioned that there were no city lighting at the place of observation and there was one range of
mountains near the western horizon. There were some clouds above the horizon and there were lines
of clouds above the location of the Crescent.
Sunset was at 6:11 pm and he saw something at 6:21 pm and could
continue to see it to about 6:23 pm, for a period of about 1 minute and 45 seconds.
The Moon was very faint, was to the left of the Sun and was about 2 finger widths high.
The Crescent had an upward curvature and was from 2 O'Colck to 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 to 7 O'Clock positions,
and it was open at the top. He mentioned that had seen other Hilals very similar to the this Crescent,
especially the one that he had seen in 1998.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward him for his report, amin.
Astronomical Analysis:For all locations in North America the altitude (vertical height) of
the Moon at the time of local Sunset was calculated to be only about a maximum of 3 degree.
This 3 degrees is still very close to the Sun and much below the 5.5 degree limit and
hence it was something other than a Hilal that the brother had seen.
Hence the individual did NOT SEE A HILAL.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me.
May Allah swt Bless and Reward all during this Holy month of Ramadan and May He bring
Peace and Tranquility to all of Humanity, amin.
5:00 pm EST, 03 Oct 2005 CE
As Salaamu Alykum to all,
The Islamic Shura Council of North America will have a teleconference on Monday 3 Oct 2005
at around 10 pm Eastern Time to decide on the start of Ramadan 1426 AH, inshallah.
The late time of 10 pm Eastern Time is to allow any Hilal (Crescent Moon) reporting to be assessed
since the evening will be the 29th of Shaban 1426AH. We do NOT expect any
valid Hilal (Crescent Moon) sightings to occur but we are open to
any reports that may be reported to check for astronomical authenticity.
May Allah swt Help and Guide all of us, amin.
5:00 pm EST, 02 Oct 2005 CE
Revised slightly 6:30 pm EST, 03 Oct 2005 CE
As Salaamu Alykum to all,
These webpages will be updated as soon as any information is available, inshallah.
From the astronomical information it is *** IMPOSSIBLE *** for the Hilal (Crescent Moon) to be visible
anywhere in the world on the evening of Mon 3 Oct 2005 CE for Ramadan 1426 AH.
Hence, it is *** IMPOSSIBLE *** for Ramadan 1426 AH to start on the day of
Tue 4 Oct 2005 CE anywhere in the world!
On the evening of Monday 3 Oct 2005 CE the national Hilal (Crescent Moon) Sighting cooridnation for
North America will be open to receive any reported Hilal (Crescent Moon) Sighting reports since
it would be the 29th of Shaban 1426 AH.
Please call (317) 839-1803, ISNA Headquarters, ONLY if you have to report a Hilal (Crescent Moon) Sighting.
You can call (317) 839-8157 to receive general information and any updates.
Please see the webpage links given immediately below for astronomical details for many cities around the world
and for many dates.
5:00 am EST, 03 Mar 2005 CE
The following is the Hilal Sighting information for most of Islamic Year 1426 AH:
5:00 am EST, 10 Feb 2005 CE
(added "for USA/Canada." Revised 13 Feb 2005 CE
As Salaamu Alykum to all,
The Hilal for Muharram 1426 AH (Islamic New Year) was easily seen in the evening of
Wed 10 Feb 2005 CE, in many places in North America.
Hence the 1st day of the 1st Islamic Month of Muharram 1426 AH starts from the day of
Thu 11 Feb 2005 CE for USA/Canada.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
(In the Name of ALLAH, THE MOST BENEFICENT, THE MOST MERCIFUL)
HILAL (Crescent Moon) SIGHTING REPORT *** HILAL-SIGHTING.COM ***;
Copyright (c): 1400-1426 AH (1987-2005 CE)
11:00 pm EST, 31 Oct 2004; Revised: 1 Ramadan 1426 AH, 10:50 am EST, 05 Oct 2005 CE
As Salaamu Alykum to all,
I will like to emphsize the IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE
(NO-SIGHTINGS) HILAL SIGHTING REPORTS to our respective Islamic Centers and
to the Central North American Coordinating Committee of
THE ISLAMIC SHURA COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA.
The Hilal-Sighting report information can be telephoned to
THE ISLAMIC SHURA COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA at (317) 839-1803
and/or it can also be faxed at (317) 839-1840.
It is a good idea to have this form ready, before reporting the Hilal Sighting,
and WRITE DOWN THE INFORMATION AS YOU ARE OBSERVING. ENJOY THE HILAL. Mohib.
PS: You can also email me at
E-Mail: mnd0@columbia.edu
YOU: Name: Last_______________,First______, Age (approx) ______Yrs, Male/Female: ___
Tel Home: (____) ____-________, Cell: (____) ____-________, Masjid: (____) ____-________
PLACE: Your City:________________, State:___. (Latitude___.__ N & Longitude____.__ W)
DATE OF SIGHTING: Date: ___, Month: ______, Year: _____; Time of Report: ____:____ pm
SUNSET: Local Sunset time: ____:____ pm, Direction of Sunset: West (Yes/No): _____
HILAL VISIBLE TIME: Hilal was FIRST visible: ___:___ pm;
HIlal was last seen (disappeared): ___:___ pm.
HILAL POSITION above Local Horizon: (you can even make an approximate sketch)
a. First Height of the Hilal: ________ (finger widths at arm's length OR degrees)
b. Last Height of the Hilal (disappeared): ________ (fingers/degrees, circle ONE)
c. Horizontal Distance from the Sun (Sun had already set): Right?/Left? ________ (fingers/deg)
[Vertical angles: Width of your horizontal fingers, kept at an arm's length from your eye.]
ORIENTATION OF THE HILAL: (you can even make an approximate sketch)
Hilal curve: Started at____ O'Clock, Middle was at____ O'Clock, Ended at____ O'Clock.
[Imaginary Clock in Sky: 12 O'Clock at TOP, 3 O'Clock at RIGHT, 6 O'Clock at BOTTOM]
WESTERN SKY: Clear: ___, Hazy: ___, Partly Cloudy: ___, or Cloudy: ___, Other: ________
HILAL MOVEMENT: Down Right: ___, Vertically Down: ___, Down Left: ___, Up: ___.
OPTICAL AIDS:
a. Hilal visible to the Unaided Eyes: Yes: _____, No: ___
b. If Binoculars ___, Hilal visible : Yes: _____, No: ___; Diameter: _____ mm, Magnification: ____ X; Time visible:___:___pm
c. If Telescope ___, Hilal visible : Yes: _____, No: ___; Diameter: _____ mm, Magnification: ____ X; Time visible:___:___pm.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP: Number of Others: SAW the Hilal: _____, did NOT SEE the Hilal: _____.
YOUR EXPERIENCE: First Hilal: ____, Many Hilals sighted: ____, (how many: _____).
The following are summaries of Hilal reports (and authenticaion),
estimated dates of major Islamic months, and monthly probabilities of Hilal-Sighting
for each Islamic year.
Please link to "Latest Hilal Sightings Link" (link above),
for the latest information and Astronomical Positions and
times of Hilal/Sun for various months, and announcements etc. :
Look for the HILAL (Crescent Moon) -------> )
It is one of the Most BEAUTIFUL of Creations -------> )
Then offer an INTENSE PRAYER to the ONE CREATOR, OF ALL -------> )
Surely, ALL SINCERE PRAYERS ARE ACCEPTED -------> )
Homepage: http://Hilal-Sighting.Com -------> )
