Waikato Muslim Association strongly encourages its members to attempt to sight the new moon of the month of Muharram in the twilight of Monday 9 August 2021 (29 Dhul-Hijjah 1442H).
"It is a Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to go out moon-sighting to seek the new moon of Muharram," said Asad Mohsin, president of the Association.
"Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months of the year. Many Muslims will fast voluntarily during Muharram and remember when Allah (God) saved the people of the Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him," said Asad Mohsin.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to fast on 10 Muharram like the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) used to do. This is the date when the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh, while he and his followers were drowned. Muslims also fast on either 9 or 11 Muharram.
Moon sightings should be reported urgently to the FIANZ office (04 387 8023) or Sheikh Mohammad Amir (021 2424 560).
If the new moon is sighted, Muharram will start on Tuesday 10 August. If not, it will start on Wednesday 11 August.
Answers to frequently asked questions about moon sighting can be found at the FIANZ website here.
