Sunday, October 22, 2006

Announcement
Regarding the Crescent of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Dear Believers in North America,

We would like to inform you that tonight (Wednesday September 12th) after sunset due to cloudy skies we were unable to see the New Moon in Los Angeles. However, reliable believers from Huston were able to see the New Moon.

Thus, Thursday September 13th is the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan in the southern region from Florida to southern California, cities sharing the same horizon and cities to the west that are close in latitude.

Attention:
Based on the verdict of his eminence Ayatollah Sistani, if the new moon is seen in one city then the arrival of the next month is proven for those living in that city, sharing its horizon, and all cities to its west (close to the same latitude).  Therefore, when the crescent is seen in Los Angeles, it proves the beginning of the month for San Diego and Santa Barbara, but it doesn't prove the beginning of the month for Seattle. 

However those individuals who are still following Ayatollah Sayyid Al-Khoie, based on his verdict for "Wahdat al Ofogh," when the crescent is seen in one place then all location that share the night-time will also enter the new month. Thus for the followers of Sayyid al-Khoie all of North America enters the Month of Ramadan.

We pray to Allah to accept al your prayers and deeds and hasten the return of the last Imam.

Sayyid M B Kashmiri