The Commencement of The Holy Month of Ramadan 1445H – 2024

Following extensive consultations with the Imams from the Australian Fatwa Council, the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad wishes to make the following statement regarding the Holy Month of Ramadan 1445H – 2024 for all the Australian states and territories:

Firstly: In Sydney, the sun will set on Sunday, 10th of March at 7.19pm (AEST), while the moon for the Month of Sha’aban will set at 7.23pm on the same night. In Perth, the sun will set on Sunday, 10th of March at 6.40pm (AWST), while the moon for the Month of Sha’aban will set at 6.46pm on the same night, which is not sufficient to sight the new moon of the month of Ramadan.

On Monday, 11th of March, in Sydney, the sun will set at 7.18pm (AEST), while the moon will appear on the same day after sunset for 36 minutes until 7.54pm, where it will disappear thereafter from the horizon. In Perth, the sun will set on Monday at 6.38pm (AWST) and the moon will appear on the same day after sunset for 41 minutes until 7.19pm, where it will disappear thereafter from the horizon. This allows sufficient time to sight the new moon of the Month of Ramadan 1445H. Therefore:

The Holy Month of Ramadan for this year 1445H- 2024 will commence on Tuesday, 12th of March 2024

The first night of the Holy Month of Ramadan and Taraweeh Prayer will be on Monday, 11th of March 2024 after Sunset (After Isha)

Secondly: The method by which the Grand Mufti of Australia and the Australian Fatwa Council had determined the commencement of the month of Ramadan is based on the calculated birth of the moon before sunset, the duration of the moonset after sunset and the possibility of sighting the moon. This is a method that many prominent and reputable global scholars, councils and Muslim countries have adopted.

The Australian National Imams Council and the Australian Fatwa Council acknowledge, understand and respect the Imams and scholars who may hold a different opinion, and request all Muslims to respect the different opinions on this matter and work towards the unity of the Muslim community in preserving the common values and interests that they all have and share.

Finally: The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad and the Australian National Imams Council call upon all Muslims to preserve their fasting whilst supplicating to Allah to protect our countries and, spread peace, blessings and security around the world, and alleviate the suffering and hardships of all people and Muslims are facing, in particular our brothers and sisters in Gaza – Palestine.

May Allah bless this Holy Month for you, your family, the Australian Muslim community and the entire Muslim world and may your worship and fasting be accepted this year. AMEEN

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad
The Grand Mufti of Australia
Chairman of the Australian Fatwa Council