The Date of Ramadan can lead to confusion
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and as with all months in the Islamic calendar, its start is based on the sighting of the new moon.
There can be confusion and disagreement over the starting date of this month.
Since the month is full of blessings and marks the beginning of fasting, or sawm, accuracy is very important.
Since Muslims live all over the world, many follow Saudi Arabia, while many do not agree as to which country’s first moon sighting marks the start of the month.But although Muslims do often start and end Ramadan on slightly different days, there is little real ill will, and it is forgotten once the fasting starts.
It is advised to follow what your local masjid follows as far as the dates for Ramadan.
Sighting in each country
Some Muslims believe that a new moon sighting from their individual country marks the start of Ramadan.
One argument for accepting this is that Islam is regarded as a way of life for all people.
Choosing a local sighting includes those who do not have access to technology or fast communication. It's argued that unity within a known geographic location is more important than celebrating Ramadan with people who live in another country or continent.
Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Other Muslims believe that the sighting of the new moon from Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of Ramadan. They believe this unifies all Muslims, as well as carrying on the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.
Technology
Some Muslims believe that technology should be used to mark the true date.In 2006, the Fiqh Council of North America decided they will no longer use naked eye sightings of the moon, but will use astronomical calculations instead to determine the start of Ramadan. Not all Muslims agree with this approach.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and as with all months in the Islamic calendar, its start is based on the sighting of the new moon.
There can be confusion and disagreement over the starting date of this month.
Since the month is full of blessings and marks the beginning of fasting, or sawm, accuracy is very important.
Since Muslims live all over the world, many follow Saudi Arabia, while many do not agree as to which country’s first moon sighting marks the start of the month.But although Muslims do often start and end Ramadan on slightly different days, there is little real ill will, and it is forgotten once the fasting starts.
It is advised to follow what your local masjid follows as far as the dates for Ramadan.
Sighting in each country
Some Muslims believe that a new moon sighting from their individual country marks the start of Ramadan.
One argument for accepting this is that Islam is regarded as a way of life for all people.
Choosing a local sighting includes those who do not have access to technology or fast communication. It's argued that unity within a known geographic location is more important than celebrating Ramadan with people who live in another country or continent.
Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Other Muslims believe that the sighting of the new moon from Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of Ramadan. They believe this unifies all Muslims, as well as carrying on the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.
Technology
Some Muslims believe that technology should be used to mark the true date.In 2006, the Fiqh Council of North America decided they will no longer use naked eye sightings of the moon, but will use astronomical calculations instead to determine the start of Ramadan. Not all Muslims agree with this approach.