Latest news with #DhulQa'ada
Observer
24-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah on Tuesday
Majid al Nadabi Muscat, May 24 The Sultanate of Oman will be sighting the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH on Tuesday. The main committee will hold a meeting to oversee the moon sighting at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Yousef bin Hamad al Rahbi, Director of the Astronomical Affairs Department at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, said that astronomical calculations rely on precise criteria and play a significant role in determining the possibility of sighting. One of the most prominent of these criteria is the time between sunset and moonset which should be 20 minutes at least when using binoculars and no less than 29 minutes for sighting with the naked eye. He emphasised that astronomical calculations are not definitive unless confirmed by eyewitness accounts of the moon sighting. However, if the calculations indicate the impossibility of sighting, the final decision is based on calculations without the need for observational testimony. Regarding the astronomical calculations for the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, Al Rahbi explained that on Tuesday, Dhul Qa'ada 29, 1446 AH, corresponding to May 27, the moon will be in the central conjunction phase at 7:02 am Muscat time. Sunset will occur at 6:47 pm while the moon will set at 7:24 pm allowing a 36 minutes window for sighting which is a suitable duration for observation. Al Rahbi said that sighting the crescent moon using binoculars is possible while sighting with the naked eye is somewhat difficult, however not impossible, especially if the skies are clear. The crescent moon is expected to be visible all across the Sultanate of Oman provided that there are no clouds or dust covering the skies. Therefore, the beginning of Dhul Hijjah is expected on Wednesday in the Sultanate of Oman and most Arab countries.
Observer
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
MoARA announces official Haj mission members
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) announced this year's (corresponding to Hijri Year 1446) official group for Haj pilgrimage with Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and the Head of the Omani Haj Mission as the team leader, according to a Ministerial Resolution No 131/2025. The ministry further said that as per Article Two, the mission will leave for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 25th of Dhul Qa'ada 1446 AH, corresponding to May 23, 2025, and will return to the Sultanate of Oman on the 16th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to June 12, 2025. Detailing the decisions pertaining to Haj pilgrimage, Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, said that as per the attached statement to Ministerial Resolution No 2025/131, Members of the Omani Haj Mission for the year 1446 AH, Dr Ahmed bin Ali bin Mubarak al Kaabi will lead the mission while Dr Zaher bin Abdullah al Hosni, Dr Abdullah bin Said al Maamari, and Ibrahim bin Nasser bin Mohammed al Kharousi will assist in further taking care of the pilgrims throughout. While the Second Article stipulated the delegation of Fatwa and Religious Guidance, the Article 3 says that the head of the mission shall take the necessary measures to implement the decisions in coordination with the relevant authorities. Other members include, but not limited to, Azzan bin Nasser al Ameri, Walid bin Suleiman al Qari, Abdulmunim bin Mohammed al Kharousi, Yaqoub bin Yousef al Wadhahi, Salim bin Nasser al Saifi, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Wahaibi, Nasser bin Said al Ruzaiqi, Dr Saud bin Said al Habsi, Hamoud bin Said al Harthy and others will form the official Haj Mission from Oman to the holy land of Saudi Arabia. The meeting also formed Administrative and financial delegation with Nasr bin Nasser al Kharousi as the Head of the delegation, and Financial Affairs and Auditing with Rashid bin Marhoon bin Rashid al Hatali as the head.
