When Is the First of Ramadan? The Why and the How

As the month of Ramadan approaches each year, many recurring questions arise within our communities, including:

• Why does the Crescent Committee sometimes issue its announcement late, when many wish to know in advance whether the next day will be the first of the month?
• Why is the beginning of the month sometimes announced before sunset on the West Coast?
• Why can jurists not fix the start of Hijri months to a single, predetermined date? And more…

To help address these questions, we encourage those who are genuinely interested in learning and understanding this process to take a few moments to review the following valuable resources, prepared for the benefit of the public.

• Principles of Crescent Moon Sighting
• Frequently Asked Questions

We pray that Allah grants you a blessed and spiritually enriching month of Ramadan, and we humbly ask that you remember us in your supplications.