Amman: Thursday has been declared the first day of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH in Jordan after the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening. This announcement was made by Ahmed Hasanat, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, during an event organized by the Department of Iftaa at the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Iftaa, Research and Islamic Studies Council reviewed Sharia and astronomical observations in collaboration with relevant authorities. Based on these findings, the Council concluded that Wednesday would complete the 30th day of Sha'ban, thus marking Thursday as the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Grand Mufti extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Hashemite family, and the Jordanian people on the occasion of Ramadan. He expressed hope that the month would bring goodness and blessings to Jordan and the broader Arab and Islamic nations.
The Fatwa Council, established under the Fatwa Law of 2007, is comprised of 11 scholars and jurists led by the Grand Mufti. It holds the sole authority to determine the sighting of the crescent moon for Ramadan and other lunar months. The decision-making process includes criteria such as the birth of the new moon before sunset on the 29th day of the lunar month, the moon's setting after sunset, and the availability of astronomical conditions that make sighting possible, including duration of visibility, altitude, elongation, and illumination.
For the crescent to be confirmed, it must be observed either by the naked eye or through modern means within Jordan or a country sharing part of the night with it.