Ramadan Begins on April 2
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint." Qur'an 2: 183
The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar'i method for determining the beginning of Lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses the criteria of European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which are that somewhere on the globe, at sunset, the elongation should be at least 8 degrees and the moon should be at least 5 degrees above horizon. If these conditions are met, then it is certain that the moon is above the horizon and will be visible somewhere on the globe. Hence the new lunar month will start the next day, otherwise it will start on the day following next.
On the basis of this the following dates of Ramadan and Eidul Fitr are established:
Ramadan 1443 AH: The Astronomical New Moon is on Friday, April 1, 2022, at 6:24 Universal Time. On that day, everywhere in North and South America at sunset the elongation is at least 8 degrees and the moon is at least 5 degrees above the sun. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan 1443 is on Saturday, April 2, 2022, insha'Allah. Friday night April 1st would be the first Taraweeh
Eidul-Fitr 1443 AH: The Astronomical New Moon is on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 20:28 UT. Universal Time. On that day there is no place on earth where at sunset the elongation is 8 degrees and the moon is 5 degrees above the sun. Therefore Shawwal 1443 cannot start the next day. Hence first day of Shawwal is on Monday, May 2, 2022, insha'Allah.
Expected date for Eidul-Adha 1443 AH: For Eidul Adha, the Fiqh Council of North America decided that the determination of the date of Eidul Adha will be contingent on the announcement by the Hajj authorities in Makkah of the day of 'Arafah, in which case Eidul Adha will be the day following the day of 'Arafah.
Based on Saudi Ummul-Qura Calendar, Eidul-Adha 1443 AH is on Saturday, July 9, 2022.
May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen.
For detailed information, please visit: www.fiqhcouncil.org
