Dear Brothers in Islam,

Assalamu alaikum WR WB,

All of us know that the Holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching. Half of Rajab is over. On Sunday (29-7-2007) the moon rose just at the time of sun set. This morning the moon had set after the sun rise. It is certain that Sunday is the fifteenth and Monday is the sixteenth of Rajab. It is not difficult to know that Rajab began on Sunday. The growth rate of the crescent during the fortnight has been more and we know that this Rajab will end in 29days only.

But what is the plight of those who began Rajab on Monday? Saudi Arabian official calendar gives Sunday as the first day of Rajab. It is strange to notice that the news media propagate wrong dates for Rajab. They have not cared to correct their wrong dates in spite of repeated requests. The mistake in Rajab will certainly lead to a wrong beginning of Ramadan and even the day of Eidul Fitre will fall on a wrong day. This is very serious in the sight of Allah (swt).

After careful observation of the Ahillah of the moon in Jumdil Akhir and Rajab we, the Hijra committee of India bear witness that this Rajab began on Sunday. Sunday ( 15-7-2007) is not a day of Jumdil Akhir. We request all Muslim brethren to correct the mistake.

Jumadil Akhir had 29 days and Rajab also ends in 29 days. Shaban begins on Monday. The Hilal does not appear on the 29 ^th (Monday) of Shaban and 30 will be completed for Shaban according to the Sunnah on Tuesday. Ramadan will begin on Wednesday. In sha Allah we will all begin the fasting of the holy month on Wednesday (12-9-2007 ). Those who raise objection to this should prove their stand from Quran and Sunnah and they should bear witness that Wednesday (12-9-2007) belongs to Shaban 1428.

Please note that a solar eclipse occurs on Tuesday 11-9-2007 the 30^th of Shaban. Ramadan begins on the next day after the eclipse. During the last three years Ramadan had begun after a solar eclipse.

May Allah (swt) guide us to the straight path? Please convey this message to all brethren.

Wassalam

Ali manikfan

16-7-1428/30-7-2007