In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy

All praise be to Allah, and may His finest peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and companions, and all those near to him.

AMJA sends its warmest regards and greetings to the American Muslims, and the entire ummah in every part of the world, with the approaching month of Ramadan. Alongside that, AMJA announces the following:

Tomorrow, Friday (May 26th 2017) will be the final day of Sha’ban, and Saturday (May 27th 2017) will be the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan. We ask Allah to make it for us and the entire ummah a means of goodness, blessings, grace and elevation.

This is based on no moon-sighting being confirmed tonight in any country until the very moment of this announcement. This makes tomorrow the completion of Sha’ban’s 30 days, unless a sighting is confirmed at some later time this evening, in which case another notification will be released.

We did not wish to wait as usual until the sun sets on the west coast, out of consideration for the hardship that would leave our brothers and sisters on the east coast. Also, it is based on what is most likely the case, while taking the aforementioned precaution (of notifying with changes if they arise).

AMJA, represented by its Resident Fatwa Committee, makes this announcement while hoping that its methodology in establishing the beginning of each lunar month is not used to justify Muslims boycotting one another or allowing their relationships to deteriorate, as there are no grounds for denunciation in matters of ijtihad (expert discretion).

We implore Allah to remove the trials from the ummah of Muhammad at large, end their bloodshed, and fulfill His promises of empowerment and support to them. May Allah bless all the Muslims in their month, and inspire them to righteous deeds and actions, and accept it from them with a beautiful acceptance, and bring it over the ummah many a times filled with good and blessings.

And Allah is the One sought from our endeavors, and He alone guides to the straight path.

AMJA Resident Fatwa Committee