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Started by Ishaq Zahid
Sun, 18 Feb 1996 00:00
The IINN, V8N26
Author: Ishaq Zahid
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 1996 00:00
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 1996 00:00
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In the name of ALLAH, the Beneficent, the Merciful
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I N F O R M A T I O N & N E W S N E T W O R K
A Subsidiary of Pakistan News Service
Vol. 8 No. 26 Ramadan 28, 1416 Hijri Feb. 18, 1996
____________________________________________________________________________
FOR SUBMISSIONS/ENQUIRIES: MUSLIMS@PSUVM.BITNET, MUSLIMS@ASUACAD.BITNET
FOR UN/SUBSCRIPTIONS: LISTSERV@PSUVM.BITNET, LISTSERV@ASUACAD.BITNET
SEE FOOTNOTE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS
____________________________________________________________________________
**********
+++++ CONTENTS +++++
**********
The last ten days of Ramadan (I).....From: Abdel K Tayebi
The last ten days of Ramadan (II).....From: Abdel K Tayebi
The last ten days of Ramadan (III).....From: Abdel K Tayebi
CAIR: Action Alert #83 - Editorial Cartoonist Defames Islam
CRESCENT MOON (HILAL) SIGHTING: MON 19 FEB 1996.....From: Mohib.N.Durrani
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From: Abdel K Tayebi <akt1@cornell.edu>
Subject: The last ten days of Ramadan (I)
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 13:24:16 -0500 (EST)
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The last ten days of Ramadan
PART I
How to take full advantage and benefit from the last part of Ramadan ?
Though all parts of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last ten
days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of
the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, and his companions. I
will focus here on three major practices of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi
wa sallam, and his companions during these days.
1-Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan
Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from 'Aishah that during the last ten days of
Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and
then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A
narratio in Muslim states: "He would strive [to do acts of worship] during
the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time."
Aisha reported that With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the
Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all
the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. [Bukhari]
2-Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque)
Before going to the essential of this last section, let us stop by one of the
great Imam of ahl Assunnah wal jama`ah, one of the greatest revivers of the
Da`wah and the methodology of the Salaf, Shaikhul-Islam Shamsuddeen Ibn
Qayyim al-Jawziyyah who will give us a brain storming admonition.
He says (rahimahu Allah) in Zaad al Ma`aad fi hadyi khairi al `ibaab :
"Since the hearts' rectitude and firmness upon the path towards Allah the
Most High, rests upon directing it solely upon Allaah and causing it to turn
and give all its attention to Allaah the Most High. Since the disorder of
the heart cannot be rectified except by turning to Allaah the Most High, and
its disorder will be increased by eating and drinking too much, mixing with
the people excessively, speaking profusely and sleeping too much. These will
cause it to wander into every valley, and cut it off from its path to Allah,
weaken it, divert it or put a halt to it.
>From the Mercy of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He has prescribed for
them fasting , which will cut off the excesses of eatingand drinking, and
empties the hear of its desires which divert it on its journey to Allah the
Most High. He prescribed it in due proportion as will be appropriate and will
benefit the servant, with regard to this world and the Hereafter, and does
not harm him, nor damage what is beneficial for him.
He also prescribed i`tikaf for them, by which is intended that the heart is
fully occupied with Allah, the Most High, concentrated upon Him alone, and
cut off from preoccupation with the creation. Rather it is engrossed with
Him alone, the One free of all defects, such that remembering Him, loving
Him and turning to Him takes the place of all anxieties of the heart and its
suggestions, such that he is able to overcome them. Thus all his concerns are
for Him. His thoughts are all of remembrance of Him, and thinking of how to
attain His Pleasure and what will cause nearness to Him. This leads him to
feel contented with Allah instead of the people, so that prepares him for
being at peace with Him alone on the day of loneliness in the grave, when
there is no one else to give comfort, nor anyone to grant solace except Him.
So this is the greater goal of I'tikaf"
The book Zaad al Ma`aad as well as all other books of Ibn al-Qayyim are just
peaces of art that every Muslim should read. Al-hamdu liLLAH there is a great
effort among the followers and revivers of the methodology of the Salaf in
translating these books into English. Some of them or part of them are
already available. You may want to contact the bookstore of al-Qur'an
was-Sunnah Society of North America [USA] or al-Hidaya Publishing in UK.
I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of
becoming closer to Allah. This was the practise of the Prophet, salla Allahu
alaihi wa sallam, during the last ten days of Ramadan especially. He would do
it during other months as well.
'Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,
used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say,
"Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan"
[Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah, radiyallahu 'anhu said: "Allah's Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi
wa sallam, used to perform i`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it
was the year in which he was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty
days. [Bukhari]
'Aisha reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to
practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his
wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. [Bukhari]
`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha also reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu
alaihi wa sallam, "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan
until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. [Bukhari and Muslim]
Al-Bukhari records from Abu Said that the Prophet (S) said: "Whoever makes
I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]."
This Sunnah of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, has been abandoned
by many Muslims and it is worth reviving it in this era.
Sayyid Sabiq says in Fiqhus-Sunnah :
The sunnah or preferred i`tikaf has no specific time limit. It can be
fulfilled by staying in the mosque with the intention of making i`tikaf for a
long or short time. The reward will be according to how long one stays in the
mosque. If one leaves the mosque and then returns, he should renew his
intention to perform itikaf.
Ya'la ibn Umayyah said: "I secluded myself in the mosque for some time for
I`tikaf." 'Ata told him: "That is I`tikaf, as long as you secluded yourself
there."
One who is performing Sunnah (like in Ramadan) i'tikaf (i.e. not the
obligatory one that is made after a vow) may end his i`tikaf at any time,
even if it is before the period he intended to stay.
'Aishah related that if the Prophet intended to make itikaf, he would pray
the morning prayer and begin it. One time he wanted to make i`tikaf during
the last ten nights of Ramadan, and he ordered his tent to be set up. Aishah
reported: "When I saw that, I ordered my tent to be set up, and some of the
Prophet's wives followed suit. When he [the Prophet] prayed the morning
prayer, he saw all of the tents, and said: "What is this?" They said: "We are
seeking obedience [to Allah and His Messenger]." Then he ordered his tent and
those of his wives to be taken down, and he delayed his i`tikaf to the first
ten days [of Shawwal]."[Bukhari]
The fact that the Messenger of Allah ordered [his and] his wives' tents to be
struck down and [he himslef left and] asked them to leave the i`tikaf after
they have made the intention for it shows that they discarded the i`tikaf
after they had begun it. ([] in this small paragraph are some additiional
comments to clarify things).
It is preferred for the one who is making I`tikaf to perform many
supererogatory acts of worship and to occupy himself with prayers, reciting
the Qur'an, glorifying and praising Allah, extolling His oneness and His
greatness, asking His forgiveness, sending salutations on the Prophet, upon
whom be peace, and supplicating Allah - that is, all actions that bring one
closer to Allah. Included among these actions is studying and reading books
of tafsir and hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets, upon whom be peace,
books of fiqh, and so on. It is also preferred to set up a small tent in
the courtyard of the mosque as the Prophet did.
By Abu AbdiLLAH Abdelkader Kamel Tayebi al-Athari
for Al-Mu'minah Magazine
The Muslim Women's Magazine Published by al-Qur'an was-Sunnah Society
For further correspondance with Al-Mu'minah, write to :
Al-Mu'minah
P.O. Box 82518
Rochester, MI 48308
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From: Abdel K Tayebi <akt1@cornell.edu>
Subject: The last ten days of Ramadan (II)
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 13:29:16 -0500 (EST)
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The last ten days of Ramadan
PART II
Permissible Acts for the Mu`takif (the person performing I`tikaf)
The following acts are permissible for one who is making I'tikaf
(1) The Person may leave his place of I`tikaf to bid farewell to his wife
and a Woman can visit her husband who is in I`tikaf}
Safiyyah, radhiya Allahu `anha said : The prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa
sallam, was making i`tikaf [in the last ten nights of Ramadan], so I came to
visit him at night [and his wives were with him and then departed]. I talked
with him for a while, then I stood up to leave, [so he said:"Do not hurry for
I will accompany you",. He stood along with me to accompany me back -and her
dwelling was in the house of Usaamah Ibn Zayd [until when he came to the doo
r of the mosque near the door of Umm Salamah], two men of the Ansaar were
passing by, when they saw the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, they
hastened by, so the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : "Be at
your ease for she is Safiyyah bintu Huyayy." So they said:" 'SubhanAllah, O
Messenger of Allah! [we did not have any doubt about you].' He said: "Indeed
Shaytan circulates in the son of Adam just as blood circulates, and I feared
that he would insert an evil thought" -or he said : "something - into your
hearts" [Bukhari and Muslim, in [] are additional narrations from Abu Dawud]
(2) Combing and cutting one's hair, clipping one's nails, cleaning one's
body, wearing nice clothes or wearing perfume are all permissible. 'Aishah
reported: "The Prophet was Performing itikaf and he would put his head out
through the opening to my room and I would clean [or comb in one narration]
his hair. I was menstruating at the time." [al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud].
(3) The person may go out for some need that he must perform. 'Aishah
reported: "When the Prophet Performed I`tikaf, he brought his head close to
me so I could comb his hair, and he would not enter the house except to
fulfill the needs a person has." [al-Bukhari, and Muslim].
Ibn al-Mundhir says: "The scholars agree that the one who performs itikaf
may leave the mosque in order to answer the call of nature, for this is
something that he personally must perform, and he cannot do it in the
mosque. Also, if he needs to eat or drink and there is no one to bring him
his food, he may leave to get it. If one needs to vomit, he may leave the
mosque to do so. For anything that he must do but cannot do in the mosque,
he can leave it, and such acts will not void his itikaf, even if they take
a long time. Examples of these types of acts would include washing one's
self from sexual defilement and cleaning his body or clothes from
impurities."
(4) The person may eat, drink, and sleep in the mosque, and he should also
keep it clean.
Actions that Nullify the I`tikaf
If a person performs one of the following acts, his I`tikaf will be nullified:
(1) Intentionally leaving the mosque without any need to do so, even if it is
for just a short time. In such a case, one would not be staying in the
mosque, which is one of the principles of I`tikaf.
(2) Abandoning belief in Islam, as this would nullify all acts of worship. If
you ascribe a partner to Allah, your work will fail and you will be among the
losers.
(3) Losing one's reason due to insanity or drunkenness, or the onset of
menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding, all of which disqualifies a person
for itikaf.
(4) Sexual intercourse. Allah says [in meaning]: "But do not associate with
your wives while you are in secclusion (I`tikaf) in the mosques. Those are
Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus does Allah make clear
His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. [al-Baqara; 2:187]
I`tikaf is not restricted to men only, women also can do it :
'Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu
alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan
till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.[Bukhari]
Dear Sister! when reading this do not forget the modesty and the Hijab of
the wife of the Prophet (S) that you should observe if you intend to perform
I`tikaf.
By Abu AbdiLLAH Abdelkader Kamel Tayebi al-Athari
for Al-Mu'minah Magazine
The Muslim Women's Magazine Published by al-Qur'an was-Sunnah Society
For further correspondance with Al-Mu'minah, write to :
Al-Mu'minah
P.O. Box 82518
Rochester, MI 48308
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From: Abdel K Tayebi <akt1@cornell.edu>
Subject: The last ten days of Ramadan (III)
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 13:31:02 -0500 (EST)
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The last ten days of Ramadan
PART III
3-Seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of `Arafah is the greatest
day of the year. It is a night about which Allah reveled a full Surah,
Suratul-Qadr [97:1-5] and the 3rd to the 6th verses of Surat ad-Dukhan [44:3-6]
It is the night when the Qur'an was reveled.
It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to
Mohammad, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, started
It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of
life, started
It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed
Allah says in what can be translated as :
"Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree
(Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The
Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels
and the Rooh (ie. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees,
Peace! until the appearance of dawn." [97:1-5]
and in Surat ad-Dukhan :
"We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever
warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every
matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of
every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a
Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [44:3-6]
A person who misses Laylatul-Qadr is really a deprived person!
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said
" The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it
obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates
of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during
this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of
its good is really deprived [of something great]. [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and
al-Bayhaqi]
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one
misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended
that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer
during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he
does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins (1).
What happens to the person who witnesses Laylatul-Qadr? and what should one
do?
Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu `anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla
Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr
out of Eemaan (faith and sincerety) and seeking reward then his previous sins
are forgiven". [Bukhari]
It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from
our mother 'Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha, that she said: "O Messenger of
Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say
in it?" He said.- "Say.- (Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu
'annee.)
"O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon
me.". [at-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad]
When is Laylatul-Qadr ?
It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan,
as the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,, strove his best in seeking it
during that time. We have already mentioned that the Prophet would stay up
during the last ten nights, would wake his wives, and then would remain apart
from them to worship.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said,
"Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,' on the
night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of
Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)." [Bukhari]
`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha said: "Allah's Messenger used to practice
I`itikaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd
nights) of the last ten of Ramadan." [Bukhari and Muslim]
However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let
the last seven pass him by, due to what is reported from Ibn 'Umar, who said:
Allah's Messenger said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too
weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.'
[Bukhari and Muslim]
This explains his saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it
is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in
the last seven.' [Bukhari and Muslim]
It is known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which
Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, 'Ubaadah ibn
as- Saamit, radiyalloahu 'anhu, said: The Prophet came out intending to tell
us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I come out
to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing,
so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the
(twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.'[Bukhari]
Some of the ahadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights,
while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the
first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to
be given priority over the general. Other ahadeeth state that it is in the
last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or
unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahadeeth agree and are not
contradictory.
In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatui-Qadr in the odd nights of
the last ten: the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the
twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or
unable to se it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the o
dd nights of the of seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twe nty-seventh
and the twenty-ninth And Allah knows best. (1)
What are the signs of laylatul-Qadr?
Allaah's Messenger , salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, described the morning
after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy,
radhiya Allahu 'anhu, who said: that he, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,
said: "On the morning following Lailatui-Qadr the sun rises not having any
rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up."[Muslim, Abu Dawud,
Tirmithi and Ibn Majah]
Abu Hurairah, radhiya Allahu 'anhu, said : "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr
in the presence of Allah's Messenger so he said : 'Which of you remembers
[the night] when the moon arose and was like half a plate?... [Muslim]
Ibn 'Abbaas, radhiya Allahu 'anhuma, said: Allaah's Messenger, salla Allahu
alaihi wa sallam, said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor
cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." [at-Tayaalisee,
Ibn Khuzaimah and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan Isnad]
We pray to Allah All Mighty Most Merciful to bless us this Ramadan by
witnessing Laylatul-Qadr
By Abu AbdiLLAH Abdelkader Kamel Tayebi al-Athari
for Al-Mu'minah Magazine
The Muslim Women's Magazine Published by al-Qur'an was-Sunnah Society
For further correspondance with Al-Mu'minah, write to :
Al-Mu'minah
P.O. Box 82518
Rochester, MI 48308
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From: cair1@ix.netcom.com (CAIR )
Subject: CAIR: Action Alert #83 - Editorial Cartoonist Defames Islam
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 19:56:11 -0800
In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CAIR Action Alert
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Alert #83
1511 K Street N.W., Suite 807, Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 638-6340 Fax: (202) 638-6412
E-mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com
SYNDICATED CARTOONIST DEFAMES ISLAM
WASHINGTON, D.C. (2/15/96) - An editorial cartoon defaming
Islam was recently distributed to newspapers across America
by United Media in New York. The cartoon, with the headline
"MUSLIM MADMAN MARCH," shows three men, walking arm-in-arm
who the artists seems to believe represent Islam and
Muslims. These men are Libyan dictator Moammar Qaddhafi,
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and Nigeria's
military leader Abacha.
Qaddafi is shown carrying books labeled "Allah's Almanac of
Terror Tidbits" and "Guide to African Slave Camps." He is
also carrying a stereotypical "scimitar" and wearing curved
slippers, both of which are frequently used in caricatures
of Arabs and Muslims. The artists also placed a star and
crescent on Farrakhan's arm. Farrakhan carries folders
labeled "Jewish" plots" and "Numerology Charts." Abacha
holds a kalashnikov-type weapon in his upraised hand.
(Call CAIR to receive a faxed copy of the cartoon.)
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED
A) Contact the cartoonist.
Write, call, fax, or e-mail: Steve Benson, The Arizona
Republic, 120 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004; Tel:
602-271-8035 Fax: 602-271-8933 (E-mail: opinions@aol.com)
As always, be POLITE but firm. Explain why this cartoon is
offensive. Points to raise include:
1) Why did he chose the word "Allah" instead of "God."
Perhaps "God" would not have created the stereotypical
linkage of Islam to terrorism he intended.
2) These three men do not represent Islam and Muslims. Why
then was the cartoon labeled "Muslim Madman March?" Would he
have drawn similar cartoons using "Christian Madman March"
or "Jewish Madman March?"
3) Why did he use the stereotypical items of the sword and
slippers?
4) When did Nigeria's Abacha ever claim to represent Islam?
5) Why the reference to "African Slave Camps?"
6) Millions of American Muslims are affected by this type of
stereotyping. Relate personal incidents of anti-Muslim bias
and discrimination based on stereotypical media reporting.
B) Contact Mr. Benson's syndicator to protest this cartoon.
Write, fax or call: Robert Levy, Executive Editor, United
Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10016,
Tel: 212-889-6262 ext. 770 Fax: 212-293-8760.
---------------------------------------------------------
SEND EID UL-FITR NEWS RELEASES TO LOCAL MEDIA
Now is the time to send a news release about Eid ul-Fitr
prayers to your local media outlets. Send (preferably by
fax) to 1) newspaper "city editors" and "photo editors," 2)
television "news assignment editors," 3) radio station "news
directors," and 4) the local Associated Press bureau
"daybook editor."
Just call local media outlets to ask for the names and fax
numbers of these people, or call CAIR to obtain a local
media list. CAIR also offers SAMPLE EID NEWS RELEASES
designed to be modified for local use. Call CAIR at
202-638-6340 to receive a faxed or e-mail copy.
----------------------------------------------------------
SEND RAMADAN AND EID MEDIA COVERAGE TO CAIR
Before the beginning of Ramadan, and in response to news
releases mailed and faxed to hundreds of media outlets,
CAIR's phone lines were flooded with requests for
information about the holy month and for phone numbers of
local Muslim contacts.
We would like to gather all these Ramadan articles and video
clips in order to analyze this year's Ramadan effort and,
inshallah, to offer improvements in next year's campaign.
Please collect any Ramadan-related newspaper articles or
video clips from local television and send them to: CAIR,
1511 K St., NW, Suite 807, Washington, D.C., 20005. It is
important that we receive the original articles, not just a
photocopy.
- PLEASE COPY, POST AND DISTRIBUTE -
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From: "Mohib.N.Durrani" <mnd@columbia.edu>
Subject: *** CRESCENT MOON (HILAL) SIGHTING: MON 19 FEB 1996 *** (Long)
Date: Sun, 18 Feb 1996 08:52:59 -0500 (EST)
Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim
( In the name of ALLAH, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful )
THE MUSLIM STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION (MSA) of COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
102 Earl Hall, Columbia University, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10027
SUBJECT: CRESCENT MOON: FIRST VISIBILITY (every lunar month)
**************************************************************
10th Islamic month of SHAWWAL, 1416 AH
NEXT CRESCENT MOON (VISIBLE), HILAL: Mon 19 FEB 1996, evening.
Astronomical New Moon (INVISIBLE) : 1996 Feb 18d 23h 30m (UT).
The beginning of this posting is for sighting information on
the evening of Sun 18 FEB 1996.
The later part of this posting is for sighting information on
the evening of Mon 19 FEB 1996.
Central and Western Northern Hemisphere WOULD BE ABLE to SIGHT
the CRESCENT in the evening of Mon 19 FEB 1996.
EID-UL-FITR would be on Tue 20 FEB 1996 for
Central and Western Northern Hemisphere, Inshallah.
Most of the Southern Hemisphere would sight the Hilal on Tue 21 Feb.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for the HILAL (Crescent Moon) to be VISIBLE on
Sun 18 FEB 1996 (Worldwide)
When the Crescent is sighted in USA/Canada,
on the evening of Mon 19 FEB 1996
EID-UL-FITR for USA/Canada would be on Tue 20 JAN 1996
The HILAL (Crescent) SIGHTING COMMITTEE for USA-Canada has decided that
when the CRESCENT is VISIBLE - in the evening - anywhere from
Halifax, New York, Miami, San Diego, San Francisco, to Vancouver, then
in the USA-Canada, the next ISLAMIC MONTH STARTS from SUNSET of THAT DATE.
The DAY that is shared (Islamic and Gregorian) is the NEXT Gregorian date.
To obtain the decision of the ISLAMIC SHURA COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA,
which includes (at present) the four major Islamic Organizations,
1. Islamic Society of North America (ISNA),
2. The Ministry of Imam Warithud Deen Mohammad,
3. The Jamaat Community of Imam Jamil Al-Amin, and
4. Islamic Circle of North America
and for the reports of Crescent Moon (Hilal) sightings and EID-UL-FITR,
at your computer system (connected to internet) prompt ($)
please type: finger mnd@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu
****************************************************************************
Please note that the Islamic dates start from Sundown of a previous day.
****************************************************************************
In addition to the postings in sci.astro, sci.physics, sci.space,
see also postings in soc.culture.african, ..arabic, ..bangladesh,
..pakistan, ..turkish, .. ..., soc.religion.islam
for the significance of
"EID-UL-FITR"
It is to be noted that the AGE OF THE MOON is NOT THE ONLY CRITERIA
for determining the naked-eye SIGHTABILITY of the Hilal (Crescent).
The **ALTITUDE** of the Hilal at the time of Sunset is the PREDOMINANT
PARAMETER (because of the brightness of the twilight sky).
The next predominant factor is the **WIDTH OF THE CRESCENT**, which
is dependent on Lunar ELONGATION (angle of the Moon from the Sun).
The skies are assumed clear (very low humidity and aerosols).
We are conducting research/survey on the recorded WORLD-WIDE
first sightings of the "CRESCENT MOON, FIRST VISIBILITY"
in the evenings, for every lunar month.
Some TECHNICAL INFO. is at the end.
PHOTOGRAPHS / SLIDES ARE MOST WELCOME
since they are very helpful in the research.
Please also pass on the request to your friends
who are interested in astronomy/physics and to
your local amateur astronomy associations.
We would very much like to hear from you.
Please respond either by email or by letter.
The survey results are to enhance the present ATMOSPHERIC MODEL
and fine tune some parameters regarding SCATTERING/VISION.
Hilal (crescent) sightings would be in the evenings,
at least 10 minutes after sunset, usually before 20 minutes,
and upto 40 to 90 minutes after sunset; near and along the sun's path.
When reporting Crescent Moon (Hilal) sightings, (even if you do not see it)
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
HILAL was visible to naked eye?......... (Yes/No)
Hilal sighted in binoculars,etc?........ (Yes/No)
If binoculars or Telescopes were used, Used Telescope/Binoculars...........
Total Magnification..................... Diameter of Objective Lens..........
EXACT TIMES: Complete Sunset at......... Hilal First Visible....... End......
HEIGHT-Degrees: Hilal highest........... Hilal lowest (faded/set)............
LOCATION: Hilal LEFT of Sun....... (deg) Hilal RIGHT of Sun........ (degrees)
ORIENTATION: Ends of Hilal Curve: Start at......'O Clock:End at.....'O Clock
(Right is 3'O Clock:Bottom is 6'O Clock: Left is 9'O Clock:Top is 12'O Clock)
WEATHER condition: Rel.Humidity......... Temperature..... Pressure...........
Sky near western horizon: Clear?........ Hazy?........... Cloudy?............
Observation Place: Latitude............. Longitude...........................
OBSERVER: Age.... Eyesight: Glasses?.... Far sighted?.... Near sighted?......
Name....................... Date........ City, State.........................
E-Mail.................................. Telephone...........................
A general rule for MEASURING ANGLES in the sky is as follows:
When our hand is stretched out in front of us (palm facing the horizon)
a. each finger at arm's length would cover about 1.5 deg at our eye,
b. two fingers " " 3.0 deg "
c. four fingers " " 6.0 deg "
d. closed fist " " 10.0 deg "
e. outstretched fingers and thumb " 20.0 deg "
Thanks.
Email to: mnd@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Dr.Mohib.N.Durrani)
Mail: Dr.Mohib.N.Durrani
Islamic Amateur Astronomers Association
(Research Division)
601 West 113 Street, Suite 11-K
Columbia University
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10025
United States of America
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
*** INFORMATION FOR SIGHTING ON SUN, 18 FEB 1996 ***
****************************************************************************
Criteria for sighting has been updated with the NEW WORLD RECORD SIGHTING
on 20 JAN 1996 by AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS, with good telescopes, from Arizona.
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
****************************************************************************
Astronomical New Moon (INVISIBLE) : 1996 Feb 18d 23h 30m (UT).
1996 February 18 (Sun) evening Event times are approximate
1416 SHAWWAL (10th Islamic Month) Civil - clock - Standard times
(nearest) (+N,-S) (+E)Zone QIBLA SUN MOON AGEat MOON-SUN Unaided-Eye
CITY LAT LONG -UT East SET SET Sunset Alt/Az SIGHTING
*********** deg deg h MagN h m h m h m DegDeg **********
MAKKAH-S.Arab 21.4 39.8 +3 -- 18 20 *17 54 -8 10 -5 4 IMPOSSIBLE
DAR SALAM-Tnz -6.8 39.2 +3 3 18 46 *18 17 -7 44 -6 2 IMPOSSIBLE @
% MOSCOW - USSR 55.8 37.6 +3 168 17 39 *17 18 -8 51 -2 6 IMPOSSIBLE
% ISTANBUL-Turk 41.0 28.9 +2 148 17 41 *17 20 -7 49 -3 6 IMPOSSIBLE
CAIRO - Egypt 30.1 31.3 +2 134 17 45 *17 22 -7 45 -4 5 IMPOSSIBLE
KHARTOUM-Sudn 15.5 32.6 +2 47 17 54 *17 29 -7 36 -5 4 IMPOSSIBLE
CAPETOWN-S.Af -33.8 18.6 +2 46 19 36 *19 04 -5 54 -6 -1 IMPOSSIBLE @
LAGOS-Nigeria 6.5 3.4 +1 68 18 58 *18 37 -5 32 -4 3 IMPOSSIBLE
ALGIERS-Algra 36.8 3.0 +0 107 17 31 *17 14 -5 59 -2 5 IMPOSSIBLE
% GREENWICH-Engl 51.5 0.0 +0 124 17 19 *17 06 -6 11 -1 5 IMPOSSIBLE
DAKAR-Senegal 14.7 -17.5 +0 85 19 15 *18 58 -4 15 -3 4 IMPOSSIBLE
% RIO DeJENEIRO -22.9 -43.2 -3 88 18 30 *18 10 -2 00 -4 2 IMPOSSIBLE @
PARAMARIBO-Suri 5.9 -55.2 -3 84 18 53 *18 41 -1 37 -2 4 IMPOSSIBLE
BUNOS ARESarg -34.7 -58.4 -3 82 19 45 *19 22 -0 45 -4 2 IMPOSSIBLE @
% LIMA-Peru S.A -12.4 -77.0 -5 71 18 36 *18 22 0 06 -2 3 IMPOSSIBLE
Note: For all the above locations, on Sun 18 Jan 1996, Moonset time
is BEFORE Sunset, therefore it is definitely IMPOSSIBLE to see the
Hilal. The time of the local sunset is before the time for the
astronomical newmoon (negative age of the moon), except for Lima-Peru.
(#) = May be visible on Previous Evening, with Difficulty.
(@) = May NOT be visible even on Next Evening.
(*) = Moonset BEFORE Sunset (Obviously IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE)
(<) = Actual Topocentric Altitude of the Moon is LESS THAN the number
(This information is only for altitudes from 6 to 8 degrees)
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
% (add 1 hr to event time, during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from nearly early April to nearly end of October, in the Northern Hemisphere,
from nearly early October to nearly early March, in the Southern Hemisphere)
****************************************************************************
It is IMPOSSIBLE for the HILAL (Crescent Moon) to be visible on
Sun 18 FEB 1996 anywhere in the world.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for EID-UL-FITR to be on Mon 19 FEB 1996.
****************************************************************************
1996 February 18 (Sun) evening Event times are approximate
1416 SHAWWAL (10th Islamic Month) Civil - clock - Standard times
(nearest) (+N,-S) (+E)Zone QIBLA SUN MOON AGEat MOON-SUN Unaided-Eye
CITY LAT LONG -UT East SET SET Sunset Alt/Az SIGHTING
*********** deg deg h MagN h m h m h m DegDeg **********
% HALIFAX -CNDA 44.6 -63.6 -4 86 17 46 *17 45 -1 44 -0 4 IMPOSSIBLE
% NEW YORK -USA 40.8 -74.0 -5 73 17 34 *17 33 -0 56 -0 4 IMPOSSIBLE
% MIAMI - USA 25.8 -80.2 -5 61 18 16 *18 12 -0 14 -1 4 IMPOSSIBLE
% CHICAGO - USA 41.2 -87.6 -6 51 17 28 17 29 -0 02 0 4 IMPOSSIBLE
% DALLAS - USA 32.8 -96.8 -6 38 18 15 18 16 0 45 0 4 IMPOSSIBLE
% DENVER - USA 39.7 -105.0 -7 24 17 39 17 44 1 09 1 3 IMPOSSIBLE
% SAN DIEGO-USA 32.7 -117.1 -8 12 17 36 17 41 2 06 1 3 IMPOSSIBLE
% SAN FRANCISCO 37.7 -122.4 -8 3 17 51 17 59 2 21 1 3 IMPOSSIBLE
% VANCOUVER-CND 49.3 -123.1 -8 356 17 37 17 49 2 07 2 3 IMPOSSIBLE
% ANCHORAGE-Als 61.1 -150.0 -9 327 17 54 18 21 3 24 3 1 IMPOSSIBLE
HONOLULU -Hwi 21.3 -157.5-10 327 18 29 18 38 4 59 2 4 IMPOSSIBLE
(#) = May be visible on Previous Evening, with Difficulty.
(@) = May NOT be visible even on Next Evening.
(*) = Moonset BEFORE Sunset (Obviously IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE)
(<) = Actual Topocentric Altitude of the Moon is LESS THAN the number
(This information is only for altitudes from 6 to 8 degrees)
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
% (add 1 hr to event time, during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from nearly early April to nearly end of October, in the Northern Hemisphere,
from nearly early October to nearly early March, in the Southern Hemisphere)
(INCREASE date one day, if crossing EAST TO WEST)
##################### INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE ######################
(DECREASE date one day, if crossing WEST TO EAST)
1996 February 18 (Sun) evening Event times are approximate
1416 SHAWWAL (10th Islamic Month) Civil - clock - Standard times
(nearest) (+N,-S) (+E)Zone QIBLA SUN MOON AGEat MOON-SUN Unaided-Eye
CITY LAT LONG -UT East SET SET Sunset Alt/Az SIGHTING
*********** deg deg h MagN h m h m h m DegDeg **********
% SYDNEY-Austra -33.9 151.2+10 265 18 46 *17 57 -14 44 -9 -5 IMPOSSIBLE @
TOKYO - Japan 35.7 139.7 +9 300 17 25 *16 42 -15 05 -7 7 IMPOSSIBLE @
% BEIJING-China 39.9 116.4 +8 285 17 53 *17 14 -13 37 -6 7 IMPOSSIBLE @
JAKARTA-Indon -6.3 106.9 +7 295 18 15 *17 36 -12 15 -8 1 IMPOSSIBLE @
DHAKA -B.Desh 23.8 90.3 +6 278 17 55 *17 21 -11 35 -7 5 IMPOSSIBLE @
AGRA - India 27.2 77.9 +5 269 17 42 *17 10 -10 48 -6 5 IMPOSSIBLE @
PESHAWAR -Pak 33.6 71.4 +5 253 18 01 *17 31 -10 29 -5 6 IMPOSSIBLE @
BUKHARA -Uzbk 39.6 64.6 +4 233 17 20 *16 52 -10 10 -4 6 IMPOSSIBLE
TEHRAN - Iran 35.7 51.4 +3 215 17 18 *16 52 -9 12 -4 6 IMPOSSIBLE
Note: For all the above locations, on Sun 18 Jan 1996, Moonset time
is BEFORE Sunset, therefore it is definitely IMPOSSIBLE to see the
Hilal. The time of the local sunset is before the time for the
astronomical newmoon (negative age of the moon).
(#) = May be visible on Previous Evening, with Difficulty.
(@) = May NOT be visible even on Next Evening.
(*) = Moonset BEFORE Sunset (Obviously IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE)
(<) = Actual Topocentric Altitude of the Moon is LESS THAN the number
(This information is only for altitudes from 6 to 8 degrees)
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
% (add 1 hr to event time, during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from nearly early April to nearly end of October, in the Northern Hemisphere,
from nearly early October to nearly early March, in the Southern Hemisphere)
****************************************************************************
Please note that the Islamic dates start from Sundown of a previous day.
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
*** INFORMATION FOR SIGHTING ON MON, 19 FEB 1996 ***
****************************************************************************
Criteria for sighting has been updated with the NEW WORLD RECORD SIGHTING
on 20 JAN 1996 by AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS, with good telescopes, from Arizona.
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
****************************************************************************
Astronomical New Moon (INVISIBLE) : 1996 Feb 18d 23h 30m (UT).
1996 February 19 (Mon) evening Event times are approximate
1416 SHAWWAL (10th Islamic Month) Civil - clock - Standard times
(nearest) (+N,-S) (+E)Zone QIBLA SUN MOON AGEat MOON-SUN Unaided-Eye
CITY LAT LONG -UT East SET SET Sunset Alt/Az SIGHTING
*********** deg deg h MagN h m h m h m DegDeg **********
MAKKAH-S.Arab 21.4 39.8 +3 -- 18 20 18 57 15 50 <8 3 VERY DFCLT
DAR SALAM-Tnz -6.8 39.2 +3 3 18 46 19 10 16 16 5 7 IMPOSSIBLE
% MOSCOW - USSR 55.8 37.6 +3 168 17 41 18 42 15 11 7 -3 V.DIFFCULT
% ISTANBUL-Turk 41.0 28.9 +2 148 17 43 18 32 16 13 8 -0 V.DIFFCULT
CAIRO - Egypt 30.1 31.3 +2 134 17 46 18 28 16 16 8 2 V.DIFFCULT
KHARTOUM-Sudn 15.5 32.6 +2 47 17 54 18 29 16 24 <8 4 V.DIFFCULT
CAPETOWN-S.Af -33.8 18.6 +2 46 19 35 19 46 18 05 2 10 IMPOSSIBLE
LAGOS-Nigeria 6.5 3.4 +1 68 18 58 19 34 18 28 8 6 V.DIFFCULT
ALGIERS-Algra 36.8 3.0 +0 107 17 32 18 23 18 02 9 0 DIFFICULT
% GREENWICH-Engl 51.5 0.0 +0 124 17 21 18 26 17 51 9 -3 DIFFICULT
DAKAR-Senegal 14.7 -17.5 +0 85 19 15 19 58 19 45 9 4 DIFFICULT
% RIO DeJENEIRO -22.9 -43.2 -3 88 18 30 18 56 22 00 5 11 IMPOSSIBLE
PARAMARIBO-Suri 5.9 -55.2 -3 84 18 53 19 37 22 23 10 6 PROBABLE
BUNOS ARESarg -34.7 -58.4 -3 82 19 43 20 03 23 13 4 13 IMPOSSIBLE
% LIMA-Peru S.A -12.4 -77.0 -5 71 18 35 19 12 24 05 8 10 V.DIFFCULT
Note: For all the above locations, on Sun 18 Jan 1996, Moonset time
is BEFORE Sunset, therefore it is definitely IMPOSSIBLE to see the
Hilal. The time of the local sunset is before the time for the
astronomical newmoon (negative age of the moon), except for Lima-Peru.
(#) = May be visible on Previous Evening, with Difficulty.
(@) = May NOT be visible even on Next Evening.
(*) = Moonset BEFORE Sunset (Obviously IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE)
(<) = Actual Topocentric Altitude of the Moon is LESS THAN the number
(This information is only for altitudes from 6 to 8 degrees)
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
% (add 1 hr to event time, during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from nearly early April to nearly end of October, in the Northern Hemisphere,
from nearly early October to nearly early March, in the Southern Hemisphere)
****************************************************************************
It is IMPOSSIBLE for the HILAL (Crescent Moon) to be visible on
Sun 18 FEB 1996 anywhere in the world.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for EID-UL-FITR to be on Mon 19 FEB 1996.
****************************************************************************
1996 February 19 (Mon) evening Event times are approximate
1416 SHAWWAL (10th Islamic Month) Civil - clock - Standard times
(nearest) (+N,-S) (+E)Zone QIBLA SUN MOON AGEat MOON-SUN Unaided-Eye
CITY LAT LONG -UT East SET SET Sunset Alt/Az SIGHTING
*********** deg deg h MagN h m h m h m DegDeg **********
% HALIFAX -CNDA 44.6 -63.6 -4 86 17 48 18 58 22 18 11 -3 MOST PROBABLE
% NEW YORK -USA 40.8 -74.0 -5 73 17 35 18 44 23 05 12 -2 VISIBLE
% MIAMI - USA 25.8 -80.2 -5 61 18 16 19 16 23 46 11 2 MOST PROBABLE
% CHICAGO - USA 41.2 -87.6 -6 51 17 29 18 41 23 59 12 -2 VISIBLE
% DALLAS - USA 32.8 -96.8 -6 38 18 16 19 23 24 46 13 -0 VISIBLE
% DENVER - USA 39.7 -105.0 -7 24 17 40 18 54 25 10 13 -2 VISIBLE
% SAN DIEGO-USA 32.7 -117.1 -8 12 17 37 18 48 26 07 14 -1 VISIBLE
% SAN FRANCISCO 37.7 -122.4 -8 3 17 53 19 08 26 23 14 -2 VISIBLE
% VANCOUVER-CND 49.3 -123.1 -8 356 17 38 19 06 26 08 13 -5 VISIBLE
% ANCHORAGE-Als 61.1 -150.0 -9 327 17 57 19 52 27 27 12 -9 VISIBLE
HONOLULU -Hwi 21.3 -157.5-10 327 18 30 19 39 29 00 15 2 VISIBLE
(#) = May be visible on Previous Evening, with Difficulty.
(@) = May NOT be visible even on Next Evening.
(*) = Moonset BEFORE Sunset (Obviously IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE)
(<) = Actual Topocentric Altitude of the Moon is LESS THAN the number
(This information is only for altitudes from 6 to 8 degrees)
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
% (add 1 hr to event time, during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from nearly early April to nearly end of October, in the Northern Hemisphere,
from nearly early October to nearly early March, in the Southern Hemisphere)
(INCREASE date one day, if crossing EAST TO WEST)
##################### INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE ######################
(DECREASE date one day, if crossing WEST TO EAST)
1996 February 19 (Mon) evening Event times are approximate
1416 SHAWWAL (10th Islamic Month) Civil - clock - Standard times
(nearest) (+N,-S) (+E)Zone QIBLA SUN MOON AGEat MOON-SUN Unaided-Eye
CITY LAT LONG -UT East SET SET Sunset Alt/Az SIGHTING
*********** deg deg h MagN h m h m h m DegDeg **********
% SYDNEY-Austra -33.9 151.2+10 265 18 45 18 40 9 15 -1 6 IMPOSSIBLE
TOKYO - Japan 35.7 139.7 +9 300 17 26 17 51 8 56 4 2 IMPOSSIBLE
% BEIJING-China 39.9 116.4 +8 285 17 54 18 26 10 24 5 1 IMPOSSIBLE
JAKARTA-Indon -6.3 106.9 +7 295 18 15 18 29 11 45 3 6 IMPOSSIBLE
DHAKA -B.Desh 23.8 90.3 +6 278 17 56 18 25 12 26 <6 3 IMPOSSIBLE
AGRA - India 27.2 77.9 +5 269 17 42 18 15 13 12 6 2 IMPOSSIBLE $
PESHAWAR -Pak 33.6 71.4 +5 253 18 02 18 38 13 32 <7 1 IMPOSSIBLE $
BUKHARA -Uzbk 39.6 64.6 +4 233 17 22 18 03 13 52 7 0 V.DIFICULT
TEHRAN - Iran 35.7 51.4 +3 215 17 19 18 01 14 49 <8 1 V.DIFICULT
Note: For all the above locations, on Sun 18 Jan 1996, Moonset time
is BEFORE Sunset, therefore it is definitely IMPOSSIBLE to see the
Hilal. The time of the local sunset is before the time for the
astronomical newmoon (negative age of the moon).
(#) = May be visible on Previous Evening, with Difficulty.
(@) = May NOT be visible even on Next Evening.
(*) = Moonset BEFORE Sunset (Obviously IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE)
(<) = Actual Topocentric Altitude of the Moon is LESS THAN the number
(This information is only for altitudes from 6 to 8 degrees)
($) = Indicates possiblity of sighting with optical aids.
% (add 1 hr to event time, during summer DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME,
from nearly early April to nearly end of October, in the Northern Hemisphere,
from nearly early October to nearly early March, in the Southern Hemisphere)
****************************************************************************
Please note that the Islamic dates start from Sundown of a previous day.
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
Ref: ASTRONOMICAL PHENOMENA (Yearly) Nautical Almanac Office, Wash. DC.
****************************************************************************
ISLAMIC GREGORIAN MOON - MOON - MOON - MOON - MOON Sun - EARTH
YEAR. YEAR. NEW MOON MOON-PERIGEE MOON-APOGEE
MONTHS LUNA. (NOT visible) (nearest) (farthest)
NO. (All times are in UT = Universal Time)
1416 *1995* d h m d h d h d h
1 MUHARAM 896 MAY 29 09 27 JUN 13 01 MAY 30 08 JUN 21 21 Solstice
2 SAFR 897 JUN 28 00 50 JUL 11 10 JUN 26 11 JUL 4 02 Apihelion
3 RABI-I 898 JUL 27 15 13 AUG 8 14 JUL 23 20
4 RABI-II 899 AUG 26 04 31 SEP 5 01 AUG 20 12 SEP 23 12 Equinox
5 JUMA-I 900 SEP 24 16 55 SEP 30 04 SEP 17 06
6 JUMA-II 901 OCT 24 04 36 OCT 26 21 OCT 15 02
7 RAJAB 902 NOV 22 15 43 NOV 23 23 NOV 11 21 DEC 22 08 Solstice
8 SHABAN 903 DEC 22 02 22 DEC 22 10 DEC 9 10
1416 *1996* d h m d h d h d h
JAN 5 12
9 RAMADAN 904 JAN 20 12 50 JAN 19 23 FEB 1 16 JAN 4 07 Perihelion
10 SHAWWAL 905 FEB 18 23 30 FEB 17 09 FEB 29 07 MAR 20 08 Equinox
11 ZulQADA 906 MAR 19 10 45 MAR 16 06 MAR 28 03
12 ZulHAJJ 907 APR 17 22 49 APR 11 03 APR 24 22
ISLAMIC GREGORIAN MOON - MOON - MOON - MOON - MOON Sun - EARTH
YEAR. YEAR. NEW MOON MOON-PERIGEE MOON-APOGEE
MONTHS LUNA. (NOT visible) (nearest) (farthest)
NO. (All times are in UT = Universal Time)
1417 *1996* d h m d h d h d h
1 MUHARAM 908 MAY 17 11 46 MAY 6 22 MAY 22 16 JUN 21 02 Solstice
2 SAFR 909 JUN 16 01 36 JUN 3 16 JUN 19 06 JUL 5 18 Apihelion
3 RABI-I 910 JUL 15 16 15 JUL 1 22 JUL 16 14
4 RABI-II 911 AUG 14 07 34 JUL 30 08 AUG 12 16 SEP 22 18 Equinox
5 JUMA-I 912 SEP 12 23 07 AUG 27 17 SEP 9 02
SEP 24 22
6 JUMA-II 913 OCT 12 14 14 OCT 22 09 OCT 6 18
7 RAJAB 914 NOV 11 04 16 NOV 16 05 NOV 3 14 DEC 21 14 Solstice
8 SHABAN 915 DEC 10 16 56 DEC 13 04 DEC 1 11
DEC 29 05
1417 *1997* d h m d h d h d h
9 RAMADAN 916 JAN 9 04 26 JAN 10 09 JAN 25 17 JAN 2 00 Perihelion
10 SHAWWAL 917 FEB 7 15 06 FEB 7 21 FEB 21 17 MAR 20 14 Equinox
11 ZulQADA 918 MAR 9 01 15 MAR 8 09 MAR 21 00
12 ZulHAJJ 919 APR 7 11 02 APR 5 17 APR 17 15
1418 *1997* d h m d h d h d h
1 MUHARAM 920 MAY 6 20 46 MAY 3 11 MAY 15 10 JUN 21 08 Solstice
****************************************************************************
Equinox = Earth has Equal Daylight and Darkness (Mar 20 & Sept 23)
Solstice = Sun apparantly Stationary in Declination
(Maximum of Summer: June 21 & Min. of Winter: Dec 21)
Perihelion = Earth Closest to Sun (Sun moving FASTEST in sky: Jan 3)
Aphelion = Earth Farthest from Sun (Sun moving SLOWEST in sky: Jul 5)
Perigee = Moon Closest to Earth (Moon moving FASTEST in sky)
Apogee = Moon Farthest from Earth (Moon moving SLOWEST in sky)
****************************************************************************
****************************************************************************
APPROXIMATIONS TO DIRECTION OF KA'BA (MAKKAH Saudi Arabia)
In most places of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, an APPROXIMATION
to the direction of KA'BA, to determine the DIRECTION OF SALAT
(PRAYERS), can be obtained by noting the direction of your SHADOW
near the time of SUNSET. The direction in which your shadow goes
is usually a little NORTH OF EAST, DURING WINTER. This is the
direction in which salat can be performed, as an approximation.
This direction of the shadow changes during the different months
of the year but is a good approximation when there is no magnetic
compass to determine the exact direction. During summer, the
shadow goes south of east and hence we would have to turn further
north from the shadow, ie. further to the left of the evening shadow.
For locations in the West of America the direction is even further
North from the shadow, ie. even further to the left of the shadow.
****************************************************************************
Copyright Dr.M.N.Durrani, 1987 - 1996
Permission to copy for free distribution is granted to all,
please do give credit and reference. Thanks.
For further information, please feel free to contact:
Mail: Dr.Mohib.N.Durrani
Islamic Amateur Astronomers Association
(Research Division)
601 West 113 Street, Suite 11-K
Columbia University
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10025
United States of America
Email to: mnd@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Mohib.N.Durrani)
To obtain the decision of the ISLAMIC SHURA COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA,
which includes (at present) the four major Islamic Organizations,
1. Islamic Society of North America (ISNA),
2. The Ministry of Imam Warithud Deen Mohammad,
3. The Jamaat Community of Imam Jamil Al-Amin, and
4. Islamic Circle of North America
and for the reports of Crescent Moon (Hilal) sightings and EID-UL-FITR,
at your computer system (connected to internet) prompt ($),
please type: finger mnd@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu
***************************** End of Document ******************************
Look For The CRESCENT MOON ( HILAL ), ---------------- >>> )
It Is One Of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF CREATIONS; -------- >>>> )
Then Offer An INTENSE PRAYER To The ONE CREATOR, ---- >>>> )
All Sincere DEVOTIONS Are Surely ACCEPTED. --- >>> )
___________________________________________________________________
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| Islamic Information & News Network - Executive Committee |
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| Nauman Kassim Mysorewala - Listserv Owner/Coordinator |
| Asim Mughal - Listserv Owner/P.R. /Spokesman |
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