M.A.L.I.
Muslim American Logic Institute
Statement on Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr
- August 9th 11:00 p.m.: Birth of New Moon.
- August 11th at sunset: Sighting of New Crescent and 1st night of
Ramadan and the beginning of the Reading.
- August 12th : first day of fasting.
- August 31st: first night of last ten nights of Ramadan.
- September 9th : 30th night and completion of the Reading of Ramadan.
- September 10th : Eid Al-Fitr.
On Monday August 9, 2010 the New Moon will be born at 11:00 p.m. EDST. On Tuesday the 10th of August the sun sets at approximately 8:30 p.m. and the moon sets at approximately 8:45 p.m. At this time the moon will be 2 degrees above the horizon and 12 degrees in separation from the sun which would make it improbable to see the New Crescent with the naked eye in the United States.
The first day of possible sighting the New Crescent with the naked eye in the United States will be Wednesday August 11, 2010, which will be the first night of Ramadan. And August 12, 2010 will be the first day of fasting. The ritual of the fast and reading of the Qur’an during the month of Ramadan are counted as 30 nights. Thereby, the Eid Al-Fitr will be the day following the 30th night. Eid Al-Fitr will be September 10, 2010.
“They ask you concerning the crescents, say: they are (for marking) times for man and the Hajj…” Qur’an. (note: the Hajj is the ritual).
“We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten, thus the term is completed with forty nights…” Qur’an.
“O you (soul) as one wrapped up in garments. Stand the night (for prayer) except a little of it; half of it or a little less. Or increase it a little more and read the Qur’an in slowly and correctly (as to realize its meanings). Soon we will cause you to meet with a heavy word. Surely the rising of the night is stronger in terms of preparation and establishing the soul.” Qur’an.
“The evening and the morning is the first day.” Genesis.
One of the biggest problems we encounter in Religion is differentiating between the ritual and the reality. So, it is during the month of Ramadan. We have problems differentiating between the use of the crescent for determining and performing the ritual and using the crescent for telling the time.
The ritual of the fasting and reading of Ramadan starts with the sighting of the New Crescent, and concludes with Eid Al-Fitr after completing 30 nights. The Qur’an is divided into 30 parts whereas each night one thirtieth is read. One of the odd nights of the last 10 nights is the “Night of Power.”
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I., Director
