Crescent Moon Visibility of Dhul Hijjah 1444 AH
The crescent visibility map below for Dhul Hijjah 1444 (RHS) shows that the moon will be born on 18 June 2023 at 04:37 GMT/UT, but it will not be visible to the naked-eye anywhere in the UK to Morocco (MA) region on that date. However, on 19 June 2023, it will be easily visible in the UK and in most parts of the world. Hence, the month of Dhul Hijjah is most likely to start from 20 June 2023 (so Eid-ul Adha is likely to be on Thursday 29 June 2023), InShaAllah. See also: Significance and Virtues of Dhul Hijjah (first 10 days) | Is Eid-ul Adha Connected with Hajj? | [YouTube]
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When to Observe the Crescent Moon of Dhul Hijjah 1444 AH
Please look for the Hilal of Dhul Hijjah 1444 AH on 18 & 19 June 2023 (29th Dhul Qa'dah & 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 Hijjah 1444 AH
ICOUK Moon Report
18 Jun 2023
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Umar Hussain from Birmingham City in the West Midlands County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Telescope.
Mr Umar Hussain commented: "There were 5 adults and many children. We were there from before sunset and waited till moonset. The clouds started getting thicker and heavy downpours of rain. We had a telescope also but none of us saw the crescent moon. Negative from Oaklands Recreation Grounds in Yardley, Birmingham".
Blackburn
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Mohammad Quraishi from Blackburn City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Mohammad Quraishi commented: "The western horizon was viewed after maghrib from around 10 pm onwards. This evening has been total cloud cover and rainy weather. NOT SEEN in Blackburn".
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Hidayatullah Patel from Blackburn City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Hidayatullah Patel commented: "Rainy and cloudy".
Bolton
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, 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 10 brothers gathered at our usual location in Rivington Bolton in an attempt to sight the crescent however the sky was completely covered with dark and thick clouds, it was also raining. Visibility was very limited. Negative sighting from Bolton".
Cardiff
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Shakil Qureshi from Cardiff City in the South Glamorgan (Wales) County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Shakil Qureshi commented: "I arrived at the location before sunset and remained until after sunset. There was a band of clouds covering the horizon so I couldn't actually see the sunset".
Chorley
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Juned Patel from Chorley City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Juned Patel commented: "The full sky was completely covered with dense clouds and raining all the time. We could not see the moon this evening".
Croydon (Riddles Down)
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Shaykh Sulayman Gani from Croydon (Riddles Down) City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Dewsbury
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Dr Najeeb Chaudhry from Dewsbury City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Dr Najeeb Chaudhry commented: "Cloudy skies, not able to sight the crescent".
Dewsbury (Moorend)
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Abdullah Ahmed from Dewsbury (Moorend) City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Abdullah Ahmed commented: "Negative from Scarr End Lane Dewsbury, totally cloudy and raining".
Edinburgh
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 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.
Middlesbrough
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Ms Julie Breen from Middlesbrough City in the Cleveland County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Rainy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Ms Julie Breen commented: "Very rainy with heavy cloud cover. No breaks seen".
Newchurch in Pendle
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Qasim Abbas from Newchurch in Pendle City in the Lancashire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Qasim Abbas commented: "In attempting to sight the HILAL for Dhul Hijjah the skies were very cloudy in Newchurch in Pendle".
Nuneaton
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Ali Khan from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Ali Khan commented: "From Nuneaton. Negative. Cloudy, overcast and rainy (view from inside of my car at Sighting Point)".
Reading
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Faruq Bilbe from Reading City in the Berkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye or Binoculars.
Mr Faruq Bilbe commented: "Despite the local forecast suggesting that there would be clear skies from 10 pm, giving the possibility of sighting the Hilal, it was not Allah’s will, and the sky remained heavily clouded until moonset".
Richmond Upon Thames
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Abdul Karim from Richmond Upon Thames City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Abdul Karim commented: "Complete cloud cover, and even sunset rays were very feint on the horizon. I waited for around 15 minutes but there were no breaks in the clouds. No sighting today".
York (Murton)
Not seen before sunset: On 18 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from York (Murton) City in the North Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "I went to the observation location before sunset but it was totally cloudy and raining. So, the moon was not possible to be seen. Many places in the UK were cloudy with a few clear sky patches but most reported negative sightings".
Morocco
Benslimane
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 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.
Tangier
Not seen after sunset: On 18 Jun 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 not seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Hatim El-Harrak commented: "In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Today evening, Sunday 29 Dhul Qi’dah 1444 AH corresponding to June 18, 2023, we tried to discover the crescent of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah 1444 AH from the city of Tangier in northern Morocco, where the sky was partially cloudy. And I could not spot the crescent moon, with the naked eye or with the camera. And the crescent was not spotted in other regions of Morocco either. Therefore, the official announcement of the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah will be Tuesday, June 20, 2023, InshaAllah, and Eid al-Adha will be on 29 June 2023, InshaAllah".
19 Jun 2023
United Kingdom
Batley
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Ms Aasiya Ismail from Batley City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.
Ms Aasiya Ismail commented: "First seen with binoculars at 10 pm. Then it was covered by clouds. Re-emerged at 10.50 pm, and seen with the naked eye".
Bolton
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Muhammad Arshad Dar from Bolton City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.
Mr Muhammad Arshad Dar commented: "Due to work commitments, I was unable to go to the usual location in Rivington however I was able to see the crescent from my street. Positive sighting from Bolton".
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Juned Patel from Bolton City in the Greater Manchester County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.
Mr Juned Patel commented: "The sky was partly cloudy, and continuously moving. There were who came to hike around. I asked them to stay and witness the moon sighting. First, I spotted with binoculars at 21:21 BST, and they saw too. Then three of us saw with the naked eye at 21:44 BST. However, after 10 minutes, the first three left, and the other two brothers arrived (Mahbub and Saeed), and they saw it too. I did remain at the spot until moonset. Sunset: 21:43 pm, Moonset: 23:32 pm; Observation with Naked Eye: 21:44 to 23:16 pm. Observations with Binoculars: 21:21 to 23:30 pm BST [submitted on 20/6/2023 - Admin]".
Cradley Heath
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 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 from my house after Maghrib prayer".
Croydon
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Assim Khokhar from Croydon City in the Greater London County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Edinburgh
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Zahid Ali from Edinburgh City in the Lothian County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Zahid Ali commented: "New crescent moon was sighted [submitted on 21/6/2023 - Admin]".
Farnborough
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Iftkhar Khan from Farnborough City in the Hampshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Iftkhar Khan commented: "I was able to observe the new crescent clearly despite the presence of broken clouds".
Foxley
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Ms Sadia Tanvir-Navaab from Foxley City in the Norfolk County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Glasgow (Bishopsbriggs)
Not seen before sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Dr Shoaib Iqbal from Glasgow (Bishopsbriggs) City in the East Dunbartonshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Totally Cloudy, the crescent was not seen by Naked-eye.
Hounslow
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Syed Rashid Qadri from Hounslow City in the Middlesex County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Syed Rashid Qadri commented: "I managed to see the crescent moon from the break in thick black clouds".
Leeds
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Maulana Yusuf Mota from Leeds City in the West Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Maulana Yusuf Mota commented: "I had binoculars with me but I didn’t need them as I knew where to look for the moon. Alhamdulillah spotted it but couldn’t get a very clear picture on my camera. I have circled it in one of the photos".
Nuneaton
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Mr Ali Khan from Nuneaton City in the Warwickshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Reading
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 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 Naked-eye and Binoculars.
Mr Faruq Bilbe commented: "As I was setting up my equipment the clouds seemed to be moving towards the sunset, but Alhumdulillah some breaks appeared around 10 pm in the right area and I located the crescent moon with my binoculars, and shortly afterwards I could see the Hilal with just my spectacles".
Richmond Upon Thames
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 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 Seen by Naked-eye.
Mr Abdul Karim commented: "We waited for at least 20 minutes before the new hilal came visible in a break in the clouds. It was very clear to the naked eye. My 10 year old spotted it with the naked eye first. As we have light pollution in the city it probably took longer to appear for the right sky contrast".
Tuxford
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Ms Nasima Uddin from Tuxford City in the Nottinghamshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Partly Cloudy, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye.
Ms Nasima Uddin commented: "A few clouds on the horizon, and the sunset was at 21:39 BST. The crescent was just about visible with the naked eye, needed to really zoom on my phone to pick it up".
York (Murton)
Seen after sunset: On 19 Jun 2023, ICOUK member Eng Qamar Uddin from York (Murton) City in the North Yorkshire County (United Kingdom) mentioned that the sky was Clear, the crescent was Seen by Naked-eye and Binoculars.
Eng Qamar Uddin commented: "The 3 of us (Aqeale, David & I) sighted the Hilal of Dhul Hijjah 1444 from the grounds of Beetle Bank Farm (where we have the York Astronomical Society observatory) soon after sunset with binoculars and a few minutes later with the naked eye, Alhamdulillah. We saw the Venus star at 9:47 pm BST (sunset at 9:40 pm BST) and the moon at 9:59 pm BST (after praying Maghrib) and continued to see it until it went behind the treelines (at 4° altitude). Many other places throughout the UK also saw the moon as expected today, but it was not possible to see it yesterday (18/6/2023)".
Announcement for start of Dhul Hijjah 1444 AH
On Sunday, 18th June 2023 (29th Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH) the Hilal of Dhul Hijjah 1444 was not sighted in the UK to Morocco region. We have also received a negative 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 Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH will complete 30-days and the month of Dhul Hijjah 1444 AH will start from Tuesday 20th June 2023 (making Eid-ul Adha to be on Thursday 29th June 2023), InShaAllah.
Local (UK-only): the month of Dhul Qa'dah 1444 AH will complete 30-days and the month of Dhul Hijjah 1444 AH will start from Tuesday 20th June 2023 (making Arafah fasting fall on Wednesday, 28th June 2023 and Eid-ul Adha fall on Thursday, 29th June 2023), InShaAllah.
Signed by (Ulama Panel): Maulana Abdullah Ahmed, Shaykh Suliman Gani. Witnessed by Eng. Qamar Uddin, ICOUK (18/06/2023 22:45 BST)
Significance of Dhul Hijjah (first 10 days)
1. Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah)." He was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it." (Bukhari, Book 9, Hadith 259)
2. Abu Qatadah (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah). He said, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year." (Muslim, Book 9, Hadith 260)
Note that Saudi Arabia normally make official Hilal Sighting announcement for Dhul Hijjah on www.spa.gov.sa website