Latest news with #IslamicMoonSightingProject
Morocco World
26-05-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Astronomer: Eid Al Adha 2025 is Saturday, June 7 in Morocco
Rabat — Ibrahim Akhyam, a researcher in the science of timekeeping and a member of the Islamic Moon Sighting Project, said Moroccans are expected to celebrate Eid Al Adha 2025 on Saturday, June 7. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has tasked its delegates to observe the crescent moon for Dhu Al Hijjah on Tuesday. The tenth of Dhu Al Hijjah marks Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God. Muslims commemorate the sacred event by slaughtering a sheep. This year, however, Morocco has canceled the Eid Al Adha sacrifice rite due to drought and a notable decrease in the herd population. However, the country will celebrate the other rites as usual, including morning prayers of Eid, family visits, exchanges, among other rituals. Astronomer Akhyam told Morocco World News (MWN) today that crescent moon researchers are divided over the exact timing of this year's date, with some favoring Friday, June 6, as the date of Eid Al Adha but others June 7. Akhyam is among those who are leaning toward Saturday, June 7, noting that sighting the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah with the naked eye will be difficult in Morocco on Tuesday evening. 'This is primarily due to the insufficient age of the crescent moon and the minimal availability of other scientific criteria needed to confirm the possibility of sighting,' he told MWN. He concluded that with the crescent moon not likely visible on Tuesday evening, Eid Al Adha in Morocco is expected to fall on Saturday, June 7. 'It's important to note that these astronomical calculations are only a scientific aid to help guide the sighting process,' he added, noting that the official date will be ultimately confirmed by authorized religious authorities. Tags: Eid Al Adhaeid al adha cancelled
Morocco World
26-03-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Morocco Expected to Celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2025 on March 31
Astronomical projections expect Eid Al Fitr, the festival that officially ends the holy month of Ramadan, to be celebrated this year in Morocco on March 31. Ibrahim Akhyam, a researcher in the science of timekeeping and a member of the Islamic Moon Sighting Project, told Morocco World News (MWN) that this Ramadan is unlikely to last 30 days. This means that Eid Al Fitr will fall on March 31, he argued. Akhyam stressed, however, that the astronomical calculations serve as a 'scientific preliminary for the sighting.' As he noted, the 'officially recognized method in Morocco remains the legitimate visual sighting as confirmed by the official authorities.' Morocco's Islamic Affairs will dedicate a team of religious authorities to sighting the crescent moon for Eid Al Fitr, likely on Saturday or Sunday this week. Eid Al Fitr is another sacred celebration in Morocco when families gather around a breakfast table with different food and Moroccan pastries. The festival is a special social occasion, especially for children who wear new clothes and receive gifts, including cash. They also go out to the streets to play and show off their festive attire. Eid is also a time when Moroccans celebrate a few days off as a holiday, which allows people who live outside of their hometown to travel back and enjoy the festivities with their families. Many reports suggest that Saudi Arabia and other countries will also celebrate Eid Fitr on Sunday or Monday, depending on moon sighting results. The sighting will determine whether Ramadan will last 29 or 30 days this year.
Morocco World
26-02-2025
- General
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Orders Opening of 26 Newly Built, Restored Mosques for Ramadan
Rabat – King Mohammed VI has directed the inauguration of 26 newly built, reconstructed, and restored mosques at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs said in a statement that four new mosques were built, while 13 mosques were reconstructed and nine underwent renovation. The ministry noted that the budget for the mosque projects reached MAD 160 million ($16.1 million). The 26 mosques have a total capacity of 14,836 worshippers. With the holy month fast approaching, Muslims across the country are expected to flock to mosques for congregational prayers, especially Taraweeh, a prayer performed in the evening during Ramadan. Morocco is expected to observe the first day of Ramadan on March 2, Ibrahim Akhyam, a member of the Islamic Moon Sighting Project, told Morocco World News. On the 29th day of Shaaban, the month preceding Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar, moon sighting committees across Morocco will gather to determine whether the new crescent moon is visible. Since the Islamic Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle, months are either 29 or 30 days long, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted. If the crescent is visible, the new month starts the following day. Meanwhile, several other countries, including Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, are expected to observe the first day of Ramadan on March 1. The holy month is a time of reflection, increased prayers, and good deeds. It is an opportunity for Muslims to get closer to Allah and engage in acts of charity. Tags: King Mohammed VIMoroccomosqueramadan
