Announcements
Ramadan 1445 A.H. - Moonsighting
The start and end of Ramadan (as it is for all other months) at ZF which is a part of ICGT (Islamic Council of Greater Trenton) will be in accordance with following moon sighting. ICGT’s moon sighting policy is as follows:
- *FOR A POSITIVE SIGHTING*: If any of the reputable and organized Hilal committees announce the sighting of the moon, we shall commence the new month.
- *FOR A NEGATIVE SIGHTING*: We will wait for all the reputable and organized Hilal committees to declare that the moon wasn’t sighted.
FAQ:
Q: Why do we rely on moon sighting ?
A: As Muslims we have a clear methodology for determining the beginning of the lunar month. We start all months upon the initial physical sighting of the waxing crescent moon on the western horizon of the evening sky. The method for beginning the month of Ramadan is no exception as the Messenger of Allah, peace upon him, has said: “Begin your fast upon sighting [the crescent moon] and end your fast upon sighting [the next crescent].” The four schools of Sunni Islam hold that this is an unambiguous, clear textual proof that is not open to subsequent interpretation.
Q: Why do we have to rely on these organizations/committees?
A: The organizations are dedicated professionals who are experts in the science of sighting the moon as well as being scholars who have decades of experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of this matter. We defer to their decision as subject matter experts.
Q: When will we know about whether to fast or not?
A: Insha’Allah an announcement will be sent via email, WhatsApp, and social media once a determination has been made. As Ramadan is falling in colder months now, insha’Allah we’re hopeful that it won’t be too late.
Q: What should we do in the meantime? A: Come for Isha salat and we can involve ourselves in dhikr, Quran recitation, and any other form of worship as we wait.
The start and end of Ramadan (as it is for all other months) at ZF which is a part of ICGT (Islamic Council of Greater Trenton) will be in accordance with following moon sighting. ICGT’s moon sighting policy is as follows:
- *FOR A POSITIVE SIGHTING*: If any of the reputable and organized Hilal committees announce the sighting of the moon, we shall commence the new month.
- *FOR A NEGATIVE SIGHTING*: We will wait for all the reputable and organized Hilal committees to declare that the moon wasn’t sighted.
FAQ:
Q: Why do we rely on moon sighting ?
A: As Muslims we have a clear methodology for determining the beginning of the lunar month. We start all months upon the initial physical sighting of the waxing crescent moon on the western horizon of the evening sky. The method for beginning the month of Ramadan is no exception as the Messenger of Allah, peace upon him, has said: “Begin your fast upon sighting [the crescent moon] and end your fast upon sighting [the next crescent].” The four schools of Sunni Islam hold that this is an unambiguous, clear textual proof that is not open to subsequent interpretation.
Q: Why do we have to rely on these organizations/committees?
A: The organizations are dedicated professionals who are experts in the science of sighting the moon as well as being scholars who have decades of experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of this matter. We defer to their decision as subject matter experts.
Q: When will we know about whether to fast or not?
A: Insha’Allah an announcement will be sent via email, WhatsApp, and social media once a determination has been made. As Ramadan is falling in colder months now, insha’Allah we’re hopeful that it won’t be too late.
Q: What should we do in the meantime? A: Come for Isha salat and we can involve ourselves in dhikr, Quran recitation, and any other form of worship as we wait.