09/24/2006:
The Chicago Hilal Committee made its decision based on the reports of sighting from San Diego. The reports were verified and authenticated by the committee. Consequently, Sunday, September 24, 2006 is the first day of Ramadan. The committee also received sighting reports from Dallas, TX.
Eid-ul-Fitr information: The committee will meet after Maghrib (5:59pm CST) on Sunday, October 22, 2006 to monitor moon sighting reports from across the nation. The possible dates for Eid-ul-Fitr are Monday, October 23rd and Tuesday, October 24, 2006. Please visit the site after Maghrib for up-to-date information regarding moon sighting reports.
Itekhaf information: The last ten days of Ramadan will commence from Maghrib (sunset) on Friday, October 13, 2006. It’s duration is till Maghrib on Sunday, October 22rd or Monday, October 23, 2006.
09/23/2006:
9:35PM:
Ramadan Mubarak! The moon has been sighted in San Diego, CA by a scholar along with his four students. More information will follow shortly. Taraweeh prayers will begin tonight, and the first fast will begin tomorrow morning.
9:30PM:
There has been a report received from Dallas, TX. The Hilal Committee is currently evaluating that report and will have more information shortly.
9:00PM:
The committee is breaking for Isha prayer. We will continue to receive reports after Isha prayer insha Allah.
8:50PM:
We have still not received any moon sighting report from across the nation. We are now waiting for sighting reports from the West Coast. We anticipate receiving reports within the next 45 minutes.
8:20PM:
We have still not received any moon sighting report from across the nation. Please be patient. We will begin to receive West Coast moon sighting reports shortly as Maghrib (sunset) will occur shortly. We will post any moon sighting reports as we get them. Jazakumullahu Khair.
8:00PM:
We have heard from our represenatives in the following locations:
1) Orlando, FL and Miami, FL: The skies were clear and no moon was sighted. This was around 7:25 EDT.
2) Ithaca, NY: No sighting of the moon. This was around 6:45 EDT. Weather was cloudy.
3) Birmingham, AL: No sighting of the moon. This was around 6:45 CDT. Weather was partly cloudy.
4) New Orleans: No sighting of the moon.
5) New York: No sighting of the moon. Weather is overcast.
6) Richmond, VA: No sighting of the moon.
7) Dallas, TX: No sighting of the moon. Weather is overcast.
8:00AM
Although Friday, September 22, 2006 was the 28th of Shaban according to the local sighting, the Chicago Hilal committee did try to authenticate all reports of moon sighting it received. No report was found to be credible. As such, today is still the 29th of Shaban. The committe will be meeting later this evening, following Maghrib (6:48pm Central) to monitor reports nationwide.
While there is a likelihood that the moon be sighted tonight, there is a strong likelihood that there will not be a sighting tonight. Ramadan can either begin on Sunday, September 24 or Monday, September 25, 2006.
Please check back for regular updates later this evening.
09/07/2006:
The Chicago Hilal Committee will meet on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at ICC in Chicago to receive reports of moon sighting around the country. According to astronomical information, most probably there will be no sighting and the first day of Ramadan will be Monday, September 25, 2006.
A decision will be made after Maghrib prayer (6:48pm). Updates will be posted every 5-10 minutes. The first update will occur around 7:15pm.
