Ijtihad Network Being Wise and Faithful Muslim in the Contemporary World
The office of His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (long may he live) in the holy city of Najaf invites Momineen in Iraq and neighbouring countries to ascertain the crescent of the blessed month of Shawwal in 1439 AH after sunset on Thursday (29 / Ramadan).
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and his household) said: “Fast upon sighting [the moon crescent] and break your fast upon sighting [the moon crescent].”
The office of His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (long may he live) in the holy city of Najaf invites Momineen in Iraq and neighbouring countries to ascertain the crescent of the blessed month of Shawwal in 1439 AH after sunset on Thursday (29 / Ramadan).
Anyone who is certain of sighting the crescent on the said night must, directly, make their statement known to the office [of the Marja’iya] – or to accredited representatives (Wakils) in the country.
The data available on the size of the moon crescent and its height on the horizon this Thursday evening indicate that it will very difficult to see with the naked eye, in Iraq and the surrounding areas on this night, without using a telescope – even though it will be seen high up and very large the following night and will remain on the horizon for a long time.
Hence, we assure our dear Momineen of the importance of ‘istihlal’ (act ascertaining the sighting moon crescent) this Thursday evening, especially for those in areas that enjoy complete clear skies and success is from Allah.
