The Department of Islamic Affairs will observe the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan on Friday evening, according to the spokesperson for the Department, Ahmad Al-Harasiss.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Harasiss told Al-Mamlaka that the crescent observation will take place at sunset in the courtyard of King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque in Dabuq, with the presence of the Ifta' Council and members of the Crescent Committee, which includes Sharia and astronomy scholars, as well as representatives from the Royal Jordanian Geographic Center.
The President of the Jordanian Astronomical Society, Ammar Al-Sakji, said earlier during a scientific seminar on moon sighting, that the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in Jordan and the Arab region in general is "possible using telescopes and optical devices," based on the criteria for sighting calculations on Friday, February 28.
Al-Sakji added that the sighting of the crescent in Jordan and the Arab region "is not possible with the naked eye" on the same day.
The International Astronomy Center predicted that Saturday, March 1, will be the first day of Ramadan in most of the Muslim world, based on astronomical calculations related to the sighting of the Ramadan crescent for the year 1446 AH.
The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, Ahmad Al-Hassanat, stated during the same seminar that Jordan follows an accurate scientific approach in moon sighting, based on scientific data and reports provided by specialized authorities, such as astronomers who conduct precise calculations to monitor the crescent and study the scientific data for the conditions of sighting the Ramadan crescent in the Muslim world with its varying horizons. He clarified that there is "no difference between moon sighting and astronomical calculations."
Al-Hassanat emphasized the importance of cooperation between Sharia scholars and astronomers in observing the Ramadan crescent and determining the lunar months, which are linked to many religious practices, pointing out that the Ifta' Department's approach is in alignment with both Sharia texts and scientific data.
The Director of the International Astronomy Center, Mohammad Shawkat Ouda, previously stated in a press release that Islamic countries will observe the crescent on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. It will be possible to see it using telescopes in parts of West Asia, most of Africa, and Southern Europe. The crescent will also be visible with the naked eye in large areas of both the Americas.
Ouda pointed out that, since the conjunction will occur before sunset, and the moon will set after sunset in all parts of the Muslim world, it is expected that the majority of Islamic countries will declare Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan, as is customary in such astronomical conditions.
