International Shia News Agency
Featured

Ramadan 2017 – When does it begin?

SHAFAQNA – In His Name, the Most High

Congratulations to the Muslim world on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.
There have been verified sightings of the new crescent on the night of Friday 26th May 2017 in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, and although it is highly unlikely to view the moon with the naked eye in the United Kingdom, it is possible with optical aids.
Below are the different beginnings of the holy month based on the varying jurisprudential opinions:
Ayatollah Khamenei:

According to the jurisprudential opinion of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, tomorrow, Saturday 27th May 2017 will be the first of Shahr Ramadan in the United Kingdom, Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Pakistan, India, Australia, and most of Southern and Central Europe including Denmark. Other Scandinavian countries excluding Denmark will start Shahr Ramadan on Sunday 28th May 2017 according to the opinion of Ayatollah Khamenei, as the moon cannot be sighted with optical aids in those regions.

Ayatollah Sistani:

As for the jurisprudential opinion of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani, Shahr Ramadan will start on Saturday 27th May 2017 in North and South America, Africa, Pakistan, India, Southern Europe, France, the Gulf states, Iran and Iraq. As for the United Kingdom, Northern Europe and Scandinavia, Shahr Ramadan will be on Sunday 28th May 2017 as per the opinions of Ayatollah Sistani, who requires a moon sighting with the naked eye.

Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khoei:

Followers of Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khoei will start Shahr Ramadan on Saturday 27th May 2017 for all countries West of the Middle East as the moon has been sighted there and shares the same night.

The map below shows the possibility of moon sightings on night of Friday 26th May 2017:

Leave a Comment