Crescent Moon Visibility of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH
The crescent visibility map below for Dhul Qa'dah 1444 (RHS) shows that the moon will be born on 19 May 2023 at 15:53 GMT/UT, but it will not be visible by the naked-eye anywhere in the UK to Morocco (MA) region on that date. However, on 20 May 2023 the moon will be easily visible in the UK and in most parts of the world. Hence, the month of Dhul Qa'dah is most likely to start from 21 May 2023, InshaAllah.
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When to Observe the Crescent Moon of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH
Please look for the Hilal of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH on 20 & 21 May 2023 (29th Shawwal & 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 Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH
ICOUK Moon Report
20 May 2023
United Kingdom
Ashton-under-Lyne
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Ebrahim Diwan from Ashton-under-Lyne City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Ebrahim Diwan commented: "Crescent was covered by cloud cover".
Blackburn (Mellor)
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Hidayatullah Patel from Blackburn (Mellor) City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars or Naked-eye.
Maulana Hidayatullah Patel commented: "Western horizon was cloudy.".
Bolton
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Muhammad Arshad Dar from Bolton City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars or Naked-eye.
Mr Muhammad Arshad Dar commented: "We were approx 20 brothers gathererd to sight the crescent. The Western horizon was completely covered with dark and thick clouds (anything below 7.5 degrees). I attempted between sunset 21:11 and 22:20 in a hope that clouds will move or split and would present a window but that never happened. Negative sighting from Bolton".
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Sameer Ali from Bolton City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars or Naked-eye.
Mr Sameer Ali commented: "We arrived shortly before Maghrib but were unable to sight from our location due to cloud cover on the western horizon".
Bristol
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Tahir Mahmood from Bristol City in the Bristol County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Tahir Mahmood commented: "Waited approx 40 mins after sunset (21:03) and was able to sight the crescent with the naked eye. I was accompanied by Brother Asif Asghar who was also was able to see the crescent after directed to its location".
Cambridge
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Ms Rahma Alfarsy from Cambridge City in the Cambridgeshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Ms Rahma Alfarsy commented: "A large group of people sighted the hilaal of Dhul Qa'idah despite the thin crescent in hazy cloud".
Cardiff
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Shakil Qureshi from Cardiff City in the South Glamorgan County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Shakil Qureshi commented: "After having clear skies all day we arrived at the viewing point to find a band of thick cloud coverage over the horizon. The sky was also a bit hazy. There was a party of six people (including me) at the viewing point. These were: regular sighters John & Hanan Sandercock, experienced sighter/astronomer Dr Feras Tuma & his wife, and a first time sighter called Marianna. We had to wait around for quite a while, until it got darker to be able to see the crescent. Even then it was very difficult to see as it was very slim & atmospheric conditions did not help. Alhamdulillah it was worth the wait. [submitted on 21/5/2023 - Admin]".
Cardiff
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Dr Feras Tuma from Cardiff City in the Wales County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Dr Feras Tuma commented: "I was present with Habiba Akhtar and Musa Tuma and Shakil Qureshi. We were able to see the moon with the unaided eye. [submitted on 21/5/2023 - Admin]".
Cradley Heath
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Modoris Ali from Cradley Heath City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Modoris Ali commented: "I have seen the moon at 9:30 pm, from the front of my house".
Dewsbury (Moorend)
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Abdullah Ahmed from Dewsbury (Moorend) 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: "I and my son sighted the crescent moon from Scarr End Lane (Dewsbury) with binoculars in-between the clouds only for a couple of minutes, then it disappeared in the below clouds on Saturday 20th May 2023 at 9:49 pm. We couldn't sight it with the naked eye. [submitted on 21/5/2023 - Admin]".
Edinburgh
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Zahid Ali from Edinburgh City in the Lothian County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Zahid Ali commented: "Negative sighting".
Farnborough
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Iftkhar Khan from Farnborough City in the Hampshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Iftkhar Khan commented: "Asalamau Alaukum, I was able to see the new crescent clearly at 21:27 BST".
Foxley
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Ms Sadia Tanvir-Navaab from Foxley City in the Norfolk County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Glasgow (Bishopsbriggs)
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Dr Shoaib Iqbal from Glasgow (Bishopsbriggs) City in the Lanarkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Rainy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Grimsby
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Juned Patel from Grimsby City in the Linconshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars and Naked-eye.
Mr Juned Patel commented: "Positive Sighting [submitted on 21/5/2023 - Admin]".
Laindon
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Hendrik Stahlberg from Laindon City in the Essex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars or Naked-eye.
Mr Hendrik Stahlberg commented: "Clear sky and good visibility, the moon was not spotted in Essex".
Leeds
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Yusuf Mota from Leeds City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars.
Maulana Yusuf Mota commented: "I knew where to look for it but missed the sighting opportunity due to clouding".
Leicester
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Riyaz Bhikha from Leicester City in the Leicestershire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars and Naked-eye.
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Ms Aasiya Ismail from Leicester City in the Leicestershire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Ms Aasiya Ismail commented: "Seen by a group of us.".
London (Camberwell)
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Akhlakuddin Razzaque from London (Camberwell) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars and Naked-eye.
Mr Akhlakuddin Razzaque commented: "It was clear- slightly hazy. Seen above the Elephant and Castle skyline first with 10x50, then by 20x80. My wife was with me and saw it with the naked eye first. Then my eyes adjusted and I saw a minute or so after. A beautiful sight- I’m glad we headed out as I was in two minds about it".
London (Hackney)
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Shaykha Fatema Bintea Muhammad from London (Hackney) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Shaykha Fatema Bintea Muhammad commented: "A few of us in East London saw the new crescent with our naked eyes, approximately 30 mins after sunset".
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Musa Jabbar from London (Hackney) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Musa Jabbar commented: "A group of 8 of us saw the crescent moon with our naked eyes jus after 9:15 pm from Hackney Marshes in East London".
London (Manor Park)
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Hafiz Irfan Suleman from London (Manor Park) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Hafiz Irfan Suleman commented: "The crescent was clearly seen with the naked eye, roughly 30 mins after sunset".
Maidenhead
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Sajid Khan from Maidenhead City in the Berkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Nelson (Sabden)
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Qasim Abbas from Nelson (Sabden) City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Nuneaton
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Ali Khan from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Yasin Akil from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Preston (Jeffrey hills)
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Dr Mohsen Abdelaal from Preston (Jeffrey hills) City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Binoculars or Naked-eye.
Dr Mohsen Abdelaal commented: "The western horizon was totally cloudy ".
Reading
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Faruq Bilbe from Reading City in the Berkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Binoculars and Naked-eye.
Mr Faruq Bilbe commented: "Clearly visible with binoculars. I thought I saw it with just spectacles at one point but too briefly to be sure".
Richmond Upon Thames
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Abdul Karim from Richmond Upon Thames City in the London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Abdul Karim commented: "Clear all round except for the sun set horizon, we were there 30 mins before sunset to find the best vantage point near King Henry's Mound at Richmond Park, waited for around 30 mins but clouds on horizon did not clear away".
Southampton
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, 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 we didn’t see the crescent due to clouds but it was seen my other colleagues ".
Surbiton
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, 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: "Sky was clear. But the horizon had low level cloud and hazy".
Trowbridge
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Mujahid Chowdhury from Trowbridge City in the Wiltshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
York (Murton)
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from York (Murton) City in the North Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.
Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "There were a group of 4 adults who saw the moon from York today (20/5/2023), first by binoculars (9:37 pm BST) followed by 2 members who also saw it by naked eye (9:41 pm) before it went into the clouds above the horizon. The group members were, myself (Qamar Uddin), Dr Bashir Dodo, Br Luqman Muraina and Br Aqaele Peeroo. Many places throughout the UK also saw the moon today, Alhamdulillah".
Morocco
Benslimane
Not seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Prof Hassan Talibi from Benslimane City in the Casablanca-Settat County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Dakhla
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Prof Abdelhadi Akarandou from Dakhla City in the Region De Oued Eddahab County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Prof Abdelhadi Akarandou commented: "تمت رؤية الهلال بسهولة بحمد الله وقوته/ Translation: The crescent moon was seen easily. Thanks to Allah for giving me the ability [to see it]".
Tangier
Seen after sunset: On 20 May 2023, ICOUK member Mr Hatim El-Harrak from Tangier City in the Tangier-Tetouan Al-Hoceima County (Morocco) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Hatim El-Harrak commented: "In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. This evening, Saturday 29 Shawwal 1444 AH, corresponding to 20 May 2023, we attempted to spot the crescent of the month of Dhul Qai’dah 1444 AH from the city of Tangier in the north of Morocco, where the sky was partly cloudy. After a while, I was able to spot the crescent with the camera, and then I was able to see the crescent with the naked eye as well. The crescent was spotted in other regions of Morocco, too. Accordingly, the official announcement, for the beginning of the month of Dhul Qi’dah is tomorrow, Sunday, 21 May 2023, InshaAllah".
21 May 2023
United Kingdom
Blackburn
Seen after sunset: On 21 May 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Hidayatullah Patel from Blackburn City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Hidayatullah Patel commented: "Easily visible on the way to Maghrib.".
York
Seen after sunset: On 21 May 2023, 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: "The crescent moon was easily seen on the way to Isha prayer".
Announcement for start of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH
On Saturday, 20th May 2023 (29th Shawwal 1444 AH), the Hilal of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 was sighted in the UK to Morocco region. We have also received a positive sighting report from Morocco Awqaf Ministry (login to view).
Therefore, the start of the month based on the Regional (UK – MA) and Local (UK-only) Moon Sighting criteria are given below.
Regional (UK - MA): the month of Shawwal 1444 AH will have 29 days and the month of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH will start from Sunday 21st May 2023, InShaAllah.
Local (UK-only): the month of Shawwal 1444 AH will have 29 days and the month of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH will start from Sunday 21st May 2023, InShaAllah.
Signed by (Ulama Panel): Maulana Abdullah Ahmed, Maulana Yusuf Mota, Shaykh Suliman Gani. Witnessed by Eng. Qamar Uddin, ICOUK (20/05/2023 22:30 BST).
Reference: Towards Local Moon Sighting (UK)
Note that Saudi Arabia do not normally make any official Hilal Sighting announcement for Dhul Qa'dah (as they usually follow the Ummul Qura Calendar).