The Hilal Advisory Team (HAT) of Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ) has released the following guidelines for Mu'mineen with respect to the Shawwal Crescent.

For the muqallideen of Syed Khoei (RA), 1^st Shawwal will be on Friday 10 September 2010.

For the muqallideen of Ayatullah ul-Uzama Syed Ali al-Sistani (May Allah Protect him), expect 1^st Shawwal 1431 to fall on Saturday 11 September or Sunday 12 September 2010.

HAT will release more information after Maghribain prayers on Thursday 09 September 2010. For further details, please visit www.coej.org

How to help:

1) Collect aid boxes from Stanmore
2) Fill boxes with items detailed below
3) Return to Stanmore by Tuesday 7^th September 2010, speak to SJ Rep or CP volunteer regarding drop off point

Basic items to include in box:

Available in supermarkets
- 3 x 500ml bottle of water (still)
- 2 x six packs of 200ml juices
- 2 x high energy packets biscuits
- 1 x 1 ltr long life milk
- 1 x packet of dates
- 1 x box of chocolates
- 1 x pack of paper cups
Available in pharmacy
- 2 x Anti-septic Soap Bars
- 6 x Rehydration Salt Sachets

Note:

- It is okay to include more items if possible (e.g. tin food - may need tin opener)
- Box weight should not be more than 20kg
- Please ensure each box is sealed properly

In The Name of Allah The Compassionate Most Merciful

The Office of Sayyid Seestani in the Holy city of Najaf informs Momineen that His Eminence (long may he live) has ascertained that tomorrow Thursday is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadhan in most Islamic countries, Iraq and all Arab countries, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and also India and Australia, African countries and South America, the United States and parts of Canada.

For most European regions like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries and most parts of Canada the day after tomorrow, Friday 13 August 2010, will be the first day of the blessed month. We ask Allah Almighty to let this be a month of Khair and Baraka for all Muslims.

The Office of Sayyid Seestani
Holy city of Najaf
Wednesday night

The following is a press release sent by the Hilal Advisory Team of CoEJ:

Marhoom Ayatullah Al Khoi (RA)

Based on the ruling of unity of horizons, and sharing of the night, there is a distinct possibility of sighting the crescent in South America and areas westwards on 10^th August 2010. Europe shares the night with these regions.

Hilal Advisory Team has achieved itmi’naan over many years on astronomical calculations that meet a certain criteria. The crescent for Ramadhan 1431 is positioned well above the criteria in many regions mentioned above.

Please see below relevant ruling of Marhoom Ayatullah Al Khoi

“1741. The first date of a month is not proved by the prediction of the astronomers. However, if a person believes in what they say or is satisfied with it, he should act according to their statement.”

Based on above 1^st Ramdhan 1431 begins on Wednesday 11^th August 2010 for followers of Marhoom Ayatullah Al Khoi (RA). We have also received news of confirmed sighting from Shia Islamic Community of Bolivia at 3:30 AM that the crescent has been sighted in La Paz, Bolivia.

Hilal Advisory Team (HAT) of CoEJ

Mahe Ramadhan 1431 programme at Hujjat Imambara, Stanmore, will commence on Wednesday 11^th August 2010 at 7.15pm with Darsa, Dua's, Salaat, Iftaar and Lecture. For further details of all programmes, please check the latest issue of the newsletter or programme information column. For ease of reference, we have prepared  an updated Timings for London for the month of Ramadhan 1431 (updated on 11 Aug 2010). Children's early programme will commence on Thursday 12 August 2010 at 1.15pm with Zuhr Salaat. Please remember each other during the Holy Month and May Allah (SWT) accept ALL our actions.