Ramadan 1433 AH (2012) is approaching us. Muslims around the world will look for the first crescent moon to begin the fasting month of Ramadan.
The astronomical new moon for Ramadan is on July 19, 2012 (Thursday) at 4:24 UT. Below is a map for the possibility of sighting the crescent moon based on Khalid Shaukat criterion. On the evening of this day, July 19, it can not be seen anywhere in the world by naked eye, except in small areas of Polynesian Islands. On the next day, Friday, July 20, 2012, however, it can be easily seen in Australia, South-East Asia, Africa and Americas.
Crescent Moon Visibility Map for Ramadan 1433 H – on 19 July 2012, Sunset time. Only parts of South America and the Polynesian will be able to easily see the crescent moon.
Hilal or crescent moon will be easily visible on the evening of Friday, 20 July 2012 from most parts of the world.
Crescent Moon Visibility Map for Ramadan 1433 H – on 20 July 2012, Sunset time. Most parts of the world will be able to easily see the crescent moon.
Based on those maps, 1 Ramadan should correspond, for most part of the world, 21 July 2012. The Ummul Qura Calendar of Saudi Arabia, however, has put 1 Ramadan 1433 AH on 20 July 2012 based on calculated position of the moon. The authority of the Saudi Arabia will usually make announcement of beginning Ramadan based on crescent sighting in the country and may change the date of the Ummul Qura calendar.
al salamu alaykum
“1 Ramadan should correspond, for most part of the world, 22 July 2012”
Please explain how that is possible when some people will see the moon on the night of 19 July and nearly everyone will see it by the night of 20 July.
You were right. The article has been corrected.