Fatwa Related to Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr 2021 – 1442
Ramadan and Shawwal 2021 -1442
“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 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 the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which are that somewhere on the earth, at the sunset, the elongation should be at least 8 degrees and the moon should be at least 5 degrees above the horizon. If these conditions are met, the new crescent will be visible somewhere on earth. Hence the new lunar month will start the next day, otherwise, it will start on the day following next.
On the basis of this method the dates of Ramadan and Eidul Fitr for the year 1442 AH are established as follows:
Ramadan 1442 AH
The Astronomical New Moon is on Monday, April 12, 2021, at 2:33 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 1442 is on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, insha’Allah. Tarawih prayer will start on Monday night April 12.
Eidul-Fitr 1442 AH
The Astronomical New Moon is on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 19:02 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 1442 cannot start the next day. Hence the first day of Shawwal is on Thursday, May 13, 2021, insha’Allah. Eid-ul-Fitr will be on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
May Allah (SWT) keep us on the right path and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen. For more detailed information, please visit: FiqhCouncil.org or MoonSighting.com