Amman, February 17 (Petra) – Grand Mufti of the Kingdom Ahmed Hasanat announced that Thursday will mark the first day of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH after the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening.
Speaking during an event organised by the Department of Iftaa to observe the Ramadan crescent at the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque on Tuesday, Hasanat said the Iftaa, Research and Islamic Studies Council reviewed the results of Sharia and astronomical observations in coordination with relevant authorities.
Based on the findings, the Council determined that Wednesday will complete the 30th day of Sha'ban, making Thursday the first day of the holy month.
The Grand Mufti extended congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Hashemite family and the Jordanian people on the occasion of Ramadan, praying that the month will bring goodness and blessings to Jordan and the Arab and Islamic nations.
The Fatwa Council, established under the Fatwa Law of 2007 and composed of 11 scholars and jurists headed by the Grand Mufti, is the sole authority responsible for determining the sighting of the crescent moon for Ramadan and other lunar months.
In reaching its decision, the Council relies on several criteria, including the birth of the new moon before sunset on the 29th day of the lunar month, the moon's setting after sunset and the availability of astronomical conditions that make sighting possible, such as duration of visibility, altitude, elongation and illumination.
The crescent must be confirmed either by naked-eye observation or through modern means within Jordan or in a country sharing part of the night with it.
//Petra// AK
