Start of Ramadan 1424 AH - 2003 CE

Islamic Crescents' Observation Project reports that according to the actual sighting of the crescent, the start of Ramadan should be on Monday 27 October 2003 in all the countries.

The geocentric new Moon will occur Inshallah on Saturday (25 October 2003), at 12:50 UT. On this day the program Moon Calculator by Dr. Monzur Ahmed - according to Yallop criterion - showed that it is not possible to see the crescent except from the western parts of the Pacific ocean by optical aid only (fig. 1). While on the next day (Sunday 26 October 2003) the crescent should be seen by naked eyes mostly from all the countries. (fig. 2)

Fig 1 - Visibility Curve on October 25, 2003 (Saturday)

Fig 2 - Visibility Curve on October 26, 2003 (Sunday)

IslamiCity is providing this for your information only and does not support or oppose various moon-sighting reports. Please confirm with your local moon-sighting authorities to determine when to start Ramadan.

We wish all people who submit to the Almighty God a very blessed Ramadan and we pray that may this Ramadan help us be more God-Conscious.

Ramadan Information Center
Over 1.3 billion Muslims around the world will commemorate their holiest month of Ramadan. Engage in the multi-faceted activities during this month of fasting.

Other Information:

• Moonsighting.com - provides moon visibility curves for the current year and next year.

• Astronomical Applications department of the US Naval Observatory - lists New Moon birth times for the whole year. NB - the crescent Moon will not be visible until at least 15 hours after the birth of the New Moon.

• The visibility of the crescent moon - an explanation of Moon visibility calculations from USNO

• The Islamic Crescents' Observation Project (ICOP)

• Royal Observatory Greenwich

• The Islamic Calendar - What does an Islamic year look like? How is an Islamic month determined?

• Eid Cards -  Send Ramadan greetings to your family and friends

• Prayer Times - Get your local Prayer Times