Morocco World News
Morocco World News
New York, August 17, 2012
According to the Fiqh Council of America, the holiday of Eid El Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, will take place on Sunday 19 August 2012.
As in previous years, the Fiqh Council of North America bases its decision on astronomical calculations, rather than on the traditional sighting of the moon with naked eyes.
The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’ia method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses Makkah al-Mukarram (Mecca) as a conventional point and takes the position that the conjunction must take place before sunset in Makkah and moon must set after sunset in Mecca.
On the basis of that Eid El Fitr for the year 1433 AH is established as follows: “1st of Shawwal will be on Sunday, August 19, 2012”, said the Fiqh Council of North America in a statement.
While the astronomical calculations are accepted by some countries, it is still a hotly debated issue, since many cling to the traditional sighting of the moon with naked eyes, as set out in the Holy Quran.
The calculations of the Islamic calendar are based on the lunar calendar, which causes the Islamic months to move in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The beginning of Islamic months may also vary from one country to another depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.
Whereas most Muslim countries started Ramadan on July 20, Morocco, for instance, started the holy month on July 21.
On This occasion, Morocco World News and its staff, wishes a happy and blessed Eid to all Muslims worldwide.
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