—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
JAMAICA, New York (January 1, 2006) – The crescent was not sighted anywhere in the mainland United States on December 31, 2005. The first day of Dhul-Hijjah1426 will be on Monday, January 2, 2006.
It has been a long standing consistent policy of ICNA to follow the moon-sighting in North America for deciding about all twelve months of the Islamic calender, including dates for Ramadan and the two Eids. Following that policy, ICNA announced that Eidul Adha will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 11, 2006.
In his statement, Dr. Khurshid Khan, Ameer of the Islamic Circle of North America, said, “After consulting with experts, it is clear that the moon was not sighted anywhere in the United States. Earlier, the Islamic Shura Council was not able to reach a unanimous decision on the Eid al-Adha date. Eidain are the time to promote community bond. We, therefore, urge the Muslim community to stay united and, therefore, celebrate Eid al-Adha with the local community.”
“May Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, accept the pilgrimage of Muslims who have gone for Hajj, and may the Al-Mighty shower His blessings upon us all. Ya Rabbal-AAlameen, help all those who have suffered because of Asian earthquake, the tsunami, Katrina and other calamities, disasters, injustices and oppressions around the world. Ya Allah, keep us on the Right Path, on the path of those who have earned Your blessings and not on the path of those who have earned Your wrath or have gone astray – AAMEEN”
