Low chance of a sudden early Hari Raya - Selangor Mufti Department

SHAH ALAM - It seems like Hari Raya is set to be on time this year as projected with no sudden surprises,according to the Selangor Mufti Department.

Based on early projections,calculations, position of the Syawal moon phase,and prayer times for all three zones in Selangor throughout the month, the 30 Ramadan will fall on the 21st of April.

The information was posted on the department's official Facebook page with data from the Selangor Observatory in Sabak Bernam, which showed the altitude or height of the moon from the sun was two degrees and 11 minutes.

The elongation or distance between the centre of the moon and sun was projected at a position of two degrees and 37 minutes thus failing to meet the set imkanur rukyah ( the minimum limit in expecting the new moon's visibility in determining the beginning of Hijri months)

The new criteria used since 2021 required the altitude to be no less than three degrees while the elongation must be more than six degrees and 24 minutes.

The department inserted a note at the dates displayed stating that this remains subject to the official announcement by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.

It depended on the reports from 29 locations gazetted by the Council of Rulers since 1972 which has established the rukyah method or crescent sighting as well as the calculation criteria.

There are three moon sighting locations in Selangor which are Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor, Bukit Jugra, Kuala Langat and the Selangor Observatory in Sabah Bernam.

Muslims were surprised last week when a screenshot of an electronic display at the Federal Territories Mosque showed that Ramadan would end on April 20th

The display went viral as it reminded many of last year Hari Raya celebrations which came earlier that expected as the moon was sighted early.

Jakim released a statement advising Muslims not to make any speculations that will create public unrest.

Muslims were asked to comply with the decision made by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal after receiving the official approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong himself.