Resolution No.(258)(11/2018):
"Sighting the Crescent of Ramadan(1439 AH) "
Date: (29/ Sha`ban/1439 AH), corresponding to (15/5/2018 AD).
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may his peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
On its seventh session held on the above date, the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies reviewed sighting the crescent of Ramadan for this year (1439) based on the astronomical calculations conducted by the Crescents Committee of the General Iftaa` Department.
After deliberating, the Board decided the following:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Allah, The Almighty, Said (What means): "Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting" {Al-Baqarah/185}. Allah also Said (What means): "They ask thee concerning the New Moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for Pilgrimage" {Al-Baqarah/189}. Moreover, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break it on sighting it." {Related by Bukhari}.
In compliance with Sharia texts, the Iftaa` Board, accompanied by the Chief Justice, the Minister of Awqaf, a number of eminent scholars, and experts of astronomy, convened on Tuesday evening (29th of Sha`baan, 1439 AH, corresponding to 15/5/2018) to sight the crescent of Ramadan(the new moon).
Based on the findings of the Crescent Sighting Committee of the General Iftaa` Department and the concerned authorities, which were harmonious with the astronomical calculations, it was ascertained to the Board that tomorrow, Wednesday, will complement the month of Sha`baan, and so Thursday will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1439 AH, corresponding to 15/5/2018 AD.
Accordingly, the Board is pleased to extend the warmest of congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah the second Ibn Al-Hussein, His crown Prince, and the Hashemite Family on this blessed occasion. May Allah Protect His Majesty and Grant Him good health.
The Board also extends its congratulations to the people of Jordan as well as the Arab and Muslim Nation. It prays that Allah Makes it a month of peace, security, faith, goodness and piety. And may Allah Accept our fast and night prayers. And Allah Knows Best.
Chairman of Iftaa` Board,
Grand Mufti of Jordan,
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh
Sheikh Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh, Member
Dr. Ahmad Al-Hasanat, Member
Dr. Majid Darawsheh, Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi, Member
Judge Khalid Woraikat, Member
Dr. Mohammad Al-Zou`bi/ Member
Prof. Abdullah Al-Fawaaz/ Member
