Saturday 4th May 2024 | Sabt 25th Shawwal 1445 [?]
Crescent Moon Visibility of Muharram 1443 AH

The crescent visibility map below for Muharram 1443 shows that the moon will be born on 8 August 2021 at 13:50 GMT/UT, but it will not be visible by the naked-eye anywhere in the UK to Morocco region on that date. However, on 9 August 2021 the moon will be visible in the UK to Morocco region (and throughout the world). Hence, the month of Muharram is most likely to start from 10 August 2021, InShaAllah.

Visibility Map for Muharram 1443 AH (a)

Visibility Map for Muharram 1443 AH (b)

When to Observe the Crescent Moon of Muharram 1443 AH

Please look for the Hilal of Muharram 1443 AH on 9 - 10 August 2021 (29th Dhul Hijjah and the next day) after sunset from the western horizon and report your results (positive or negative) via our website Observation Report Form. [Photo Competition]

Results of Crescent Moon Observations for Muharram 1443 AH

ICOUK Moon Report

09 Aug 2021
United Kingdom

Belfast (Antrim)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Dr Wajida Hannani from Belfast (Antrim) City in the Antrim County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Dr Wajida Hannani commented: "Despite a relatively clear view of sunset sky hilal not observed [after sunset] at 20.40 pm".


Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Dr Thron Miah from Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars.

Dr Thron Miah commented: "No crescent seen".


Blackburn (Mellor)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Maulana Hidayatullah Patel from Blackburn (Mellor) City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.


Bolton

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Muhammad Arshad Dar from Bolton City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Muhammad Arshad Dar commented: "We were a group of about 25 people (male/female/children), gathered at our usual location in Rivington. Sky in general and the Western horizon in particular, was completely covered with dark and thick clouds. I stayed there till 22:00 BST. Crescent was not sighted".


Bradford

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Sufyan Ghias from Bradford City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars.

Mr Sufyan Ghias commented: "Not seen, missed sunset.".


Brentwood

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Hendrik Stahlberg from Brentwood City in the Essex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Hendrik Stahlberg commented: "Thick layer of clouds did not allow the moon to be spotted".


Bristol

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Tahir Mahmood from Bristol City in the Bristol County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Mr Tahir Mahmood commented: "Efforts were made to find the crescent however due to low-level clouds the Cresent was not sighted in Bristol".


Cradley Heath

Not seen before sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Modoris Ali from Cradley Heath City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Modoris Ali commented: "I was walking to the local Mosque for Maghrib Prayer, 10 minutes walk. I was looking at the skies if I could see the moon but I could not see the moon. After, finish Maghrib prayer at the local Mosque, I was walking back home and I couldn't see the moon either".


Croydon (Canterbury Road)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Umar Faruk Abdul Muthalif from Croydon (Canterbury Road) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Umar Faruk Abdul Muthalif commented: "Sky completely covered with clouds, the moon was not seen".


Croydon (Riddlesdown)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Assim Khokhar from Croydon (Riddlesdown) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.


Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Shaykh Sulayman Gani from Croydon (Riddlesdown) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Shaykh Sulayman Gani commented: "About 15 of us attempted to sight the crescent moon for the month of Muharram from Riddelsdown Common in Purley on Monday [9/8/2021]. We observed the sun set about 15 minutes before its actual set time as it disappeared behind the thick clouds. It was a stunning view. We observed the Western horizon after the prayer . The atmospheric condition was not clear. The hilal was not sighted with the naked eyes. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


Derby

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Shaykh Shafalia Younis from Derby City in the Derbyshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Shaykh Shafalia Younis commented: "The sky was cloudy, which made the sighting difficult. The sighting was carried out with the naked eye, before & after sunset. The images attached are taken, before the sunset".


Dundee

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Shuhena Islam from Dundee City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Shuhena Islam commented: "It became cloudier as time passed. The second picture was taken at 10.05 pm".


Edinburgh

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Zahid Ali from Edinburgh City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Zahid Ali commented: "Broken cloud, moon was not sighted".


Halifax (Ovenden Moor)

Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Maulana Abdullah Ahmed from Halifax (Ovenden Moor) City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars.

Maulana Abdullah Ahmed commented: "Alhamdulillah the Crescent Moon of Muharram 1443 AH was seen by my son Hafiz Muhammad Daanyaal Ahmed (18) at 21:27 pm in between the clouds from a layby on A6033 next to Ovenden Moor and Oxenhope Village near Halifax, West Yorkshire [with binoculars]. The sunset was at 8:48 pm and the moonset was at 9:45 pm. We couldn't catch the crescent moon on the phone's camera but we still took the picture of the point of sighting at 21:28 pm".


High Wycombe

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Ismat Shahzad from High Wycombe City in the Buckinghamshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Ismat Shahzad commented: "Not seen. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


Hounslow

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Syed Rashid Qadri from Hounslow City in the Middlesex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Syed Rashid Qadri commented: "It was totally cloudy with occasional rain. It was not possible for Crescent to be seen. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


Land's End (Cornwall)

Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Zakwan Hassan from Land's End (Cornwall) City in the Cornwall County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Mr Zakwan Hassan commented: "Observed initially with binoculars and then by the naked eye. There were three of us in the group: myself (Blackburn), Ahmed Umair (Glasgow) and Tariq (Southampton)".


Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Ahmed Umair Qazi from Land's End (Cornwall) City in the Cornwall County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Mr Ahmed Umair Qazi commented: "There were three of us (Zakwan, Tariq and myself). We got to the location (Land's End) before sunset, found an unobstructed spot to view the horizon with binoculars. Clouds were only visible quite low at the horizon along with sea mist. Brother Zakwan used an app to calculate the exact location of the moon. It was supposed to be between the Venus and the sun. At first, we saw a bright Venus and with help of binoculars. We Managed to see the crescent to the right of the Venus and left of the sunset, just above the cloud line at the horizon. Once spotted with binoculars we could easily observe it with naked eyes. I need glasses to see generally as I have short-sightedness. Just before 21:20 pm all three of us managed to see the Hilal, Alhamdulillah.".


Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Tariq Amin from Land's End (Cornwall) City in the Cornwall County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.


Leeds

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Karen Khadija Hall from Leeds City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Karen Khadija Hall commented: "Brother Nasir, Sister Soma and I were at our location - Surprise View Car Park, Otley Chevin - between 20.15 pm and 22.00 pm. Sunset was at 20.48 and moonset at 21.45 pm. We did not sight the Crescent [unfortunately]. The first picture is taken at Surprise View Car Park, the second further down the road. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


Leicester (Coalville)

Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Riyaz Bhikha from Leicester (Coalville) City in the Leicestershire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars.

Mr Riyaz Bhikha commented: "Very cloudy, but there was a break in the cloud where we saw the crescent for 5 mins (by three brothers). The crescent went behind the clouds. Not seen via the naked eye, only via binoculars. [This was a group sighting by 3 Muslim adults]".


Loch Leven

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member from Loch Leven City in the Scotland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

commented: "I went sighting with my husband (Assad Afzal) who also didn't sight the moon in Scotland on this day".


London (Lewisham)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Rahma Alfarsy from London (Lewisham) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Ms Rahma Alfarsy commented: "Too cloudy to spot crescent".


Nottingham

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Afzal Hussain from Nottingham City in the Nottinghamshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Afzal Hussain commented: "Negative hilal sighting. Overlooking towards northwest horizon sunset at 298° - from Nottingham East".


Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Majhad Hussain from Nottingham City in the Nottinghamshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Majhad Hussain commented: "Came before Maghrib and stayed until 21:40-ish. Negative sighting".


Portsmouth

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Tajammul Ali from Portsmouth City in the West Sussex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Tajammul Ali commented: "Negative Sighting , got to the location of North Hill Portsmouth prior to sunset, stayed until after sunset 9.20 pm".


Pwll Du (Gwent)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Maulana Iftkhar Khan from Pwll Du (Gwent) City in the Wales County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Maulana Iftkhar Khan commented: "Unfortunately due to cloudy conditions, I was unable to observe the moon. My observation location was Pwll Du, Brecon Beacons, Wales".


Redcar (Middlesbrough)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Julie Breen from Redcar (Middlesbrough) City in the Cleveland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Julie Breen commented: "No crescent seen. Heavy cloud at the horizon".


Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Nicola Hunt-Bashir from Redcar (Middlesbrough) City in the Cleveland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Nicola Hunt-Bashir commented: "Horizon obscured by cloud, group of 4 adults and 6 children. [Submitted on 13/8/2021 - Admin]".


Saltburn by the Sea

Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Shemanara Haq from Saltburn by the Sea City in the Cleveland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars.

Ms Shemanara Haq commented: "No photos showing crescent. Not seen with the naked eye but with optical aid [20x80]. Very thin Crescent seen at 9.14 pm after sunset (binoculars Celestron 20x80). Sunset 8.48 pm and moonset 9.45 pm. Photos of SkyView, first taken at 8.40 pm and second taken after sighting. [This was a group sighting by 2 Muslims and a non-Muslim lady]"".


Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Lucy Hoyle-aziz from Saltburn by the Sea City in the Cleveland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars.

Ms Lucy Hoyle-aziz commented: "Sighted at 9:14 pm with Shemana Haq and a non-Muslim observer as well as myself. No photo of the crescent was taken. [This was a group sighting by 2 Muslims and a non-Muslim lady]".


Sheffield

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Azhara Miller from Sheffield City in the South Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Azhara Miller commented: "It was quite tricky to locate the crescent hilal due to cloud coverage despite a good start during sunset".


Southampton

Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Iqbal Sharif from Southampton City in the Hampshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars.

Mr Iqbal Sharif commented: "Was seen not by me but by three fellow observers through optical aid. (The group members were: Hassan Tariq, Muneera Poswall, Asifa Poswall). [Submitted on 11/8/2021 -Admin]".


Surbiton

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Javed Rafiq from Surbiton City in the Surrey County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Javed Rafiq commented: "It was partly cloudy on the western horizon. Not seen with the naked eye. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


Thirsk (Sutton Bank)

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from Thirsk (Sutton Bank) City in the North Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "There were seven astronomers from the York Astronomical Society (with three guests) who went to Sutton Bank (Thirsk) for a Moon Sighting challenge. The weather was partly cloudy before sunset, but it became totally cloudy where the moon was expected so it was not seen. However, other places in the UK had better luck, Alhamdulillah".


Walsall

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Umar Hussain from Walsall City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Umar Hussain commented: "Thick clouds on horizon, several people attempted. We had binoculars but still no crescent was seen".


Morocco

Benslimane

Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Prof Hassan Talibi from Benslimane City in the Casablanca-Settat County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.


Seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Juned Patel from Benslimane City in the Casablanca-Settat County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Mr Juned Patel commented: "Alhamdulillah. I, Juned Patel from the UK, have just sighted the crescent moon of Muharram 1443 at the end of the 29th of Dhul-Hijjah (9th August 2021) in Benslimane, Morocco. I was accompanied by Professor Hassan Talibi and other Moroccan government-appointed official members of the committee. [See YouTube Video statement - Admin]".


Saudi Arabia

Abha

Not seen after sunset: On 09 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Hafiz Dr Ayyub Patel from Abha City in the Aseer County (Saudi Arabia) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.

Hafiz Dr Ayyub Patel commented: "Not seen due to low clouds".


10 Aug 2021
United Kingdom

Brentwood

Seen after sunset: On 10 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Mr Hendrik Stahlberg from Brentwood City in the Essex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.

Mr Hendrik Stahlberg commented: "Partly cloudy weather, but the moon was sighted".


High Wycombe

Seen after sunset: On 10 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Ms Ismat Shahzad from High Wycombe City in the Buckinghamshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Ms Ismat Shahzad commented: "Sighted easily. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 -Admin]".


Saltburn by the sea

Seen before sunset: On 10 Aug 2021, ICOUK member from Saltburn by the sea City in the Cleveland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

commented: "The Hilal was seen with the naked eye approx around 8.40 pm. Observation with Sr Lucy and 2 non-muslim ladies until moonset time. Sunset 8.46 pm and moonset at 10 pm. Photographs were taken with iPhone 12. The first photo at 9.04 pm and the second photo at 9.17 pm. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


Southampton

Not seen after sunset: On 10 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Imam Kasim Sumra from Southampton City in the Hampshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.

Imam Kasim Sumra commented: "Unfortunately, I didn’t see the hilal however my colleagues did see it at another location within Southampton. [Submitted on 11/8/2021 - Admin]".


York

Seen after sunset: On 10 Aug 2021, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from York City in the North Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.

Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "It was very easy to see the Muharram Hilal today, soon after sunset when the clouds moved away, but it soon covered it up again as soon as I have managed to take a few photos, Alhamdulillah".


Announcement for start of Muharram 1443 AH

On Monday 9th August 2021 (29th Dhul Hijjah 1442 AH) the Hilal of Muharram 1443 was sighted in the UK and in Morocco. We have also received a positive sighting report from Morocco Awqaf Ministry (login to view).

Therefore, the month of Dhul Hijjah 1442 AH will have 29-days and the month of Muharram 1443 AH will start from Tuesday 10th August 2021, making Ashura (10 Muharram) fall on Thursday 19th August 2021, InShaAllah. It is recommended to fast 9th & 10th or 10th and 11th or all 3-days (9th, 10th and 11th), InshaAllah.

Significance of Ashura (10 Muharram)
1. Narrated Ibn `Abbas (R): When the Prophet (ﷺ) arrived at Medina he found that the Jews observed fast on the day of 'Ashura'. They were asked the reason for the fast. They replied, "This is the day when Allah caused Moses and the children of Israel to have victory over Pharaoh, so we fast on this day as a sign of glorifying it." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "We are closer to Moses than you." Then he ordered that fasting on this day should be observed. (Bukhari) http://sunnah.com/bukhari/63/168 
2. Abdullah b 'Abbas (R) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said: "If I live till the next (year), I would definitely observe fast on the 9th [along with the 10th]", and the narration transmitted by Abu Bakr said: "He meant the day of Ashura." (Muslim) http://sunnah.com/muslim/13/173 
3. Abu Qatadah (R) narrated that: the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Fast the Day of Ashura, for indeed I anticipate that Allah will forgive (the sins of) the year before it." (Tirmidhi) https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/71
Note that Saudi Arabia may announce the Muharram hilal on their SPA www.spa.gov.sa website.