Ramadhan, Eid and Moon-sighting

[Sa1eem]

Re: Ramadhan, Eid and Moon-sighting

@Iconoclast

@Sa1eem

The issue about moonset prior to sunset isnt a very valid argument as to moon sighting not being possible specially when it is just a couple of minutes. In case of clouds coming in front of sum, moon can be sighted prior to sunset.

@Iconoclast

^It was reported yesterday by GEO that moon was sighted just prior to maghrib and a meteoroligst on the phone said, tha this can happen when clouds make the last part of the day darker, making it possible for moon to be sighted prior to sunset.

 Regardless of one can see the moon before sunset or not, you are right that even when moonset is before sunset moon is present in the sky. Actually, moon is present in the sky everyday at one time or another. It is obvious, because there is 'moonrise' everyday and 'moonset' everyday ... and as long as moonset has not happened there would be moon present in the sky. 

Anyhow … ‘Chand-raat’ … or ‘night of the moon’ is the first night of the month when there was moon in the sky when night started. Night starts just after sunset and not before sunset. That means moon should be sighted in the sky after sunset and not before sunset.

For instance: Every month (once every 29 days or 30 days) moonset passes sunset. That is, one day moonset was before sunset and next day it was after sunset. When this transition happens new month starts, not before.