Chicago Hilal Committee Updates: Moon Sighting & Islamic Dates

04 May, 2025

Is the determination of Islamic lunar calendar dates a matter of faith, precision, or community? For Muslims in Chicago and beyond, the answer lies in the meticulous observation of the moon, a practice spearheaded by the Chicago Hilal Committee, whose decisions shape the rhythm of religious observance.

The Chicago Hilal Committee (CHC) plays a pivotal role in the Muslim community, serving as the official authority for determining the start and end dates of Islamic months, including the holy months of Ramadan and Shawwal. This process is rooted in the Islamic tradition of moon sighting, where the new lunar month begins with the first sighting of the crescent moon. The CHC's work is crucial, offering clarity and unity in a world where varying opinions and methods can lead to potential discord. The CHC provides the official and projected dates of the Islamic lunar calendar based on moon sighting confirmations. The committee's decisions are not arbitrary; they are based on established criteria, consistently applied since its inception, aligning with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

To provide the community with reliable information, the Chicago Hilal Committee maintains a website that serves as a vital resource. It offers a wealth of information, including the official dates of Islamic events, prayer timings, and access to various resources and contact details. The committee also makes announcements about the reconvening dates to announce the decisions about the start of lunar months. For example, the Chicago Hilal Committee will reconvene on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 (Dhul Qadah 29th) to determine the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1446. Furthermore, The Chicago Hilal Committee will convene on Thursday, April 20th to determine the day of Eid (Shawwal 1st).

Aspect	Details	Significance
Function	Determining the start and end dates of Islamic months, particularly Ramadan and Shawwal.	Ensuring consistent religious observance based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Methodology	Based on confirmed moon sightings.	Aligning with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Authority	Official source for the Chicago and surrounding Muslim communities.	Providing unity and clarity in the determination of religious dates.
Resources	Provides information on eid prayers, resources and contact details.	Helps in community building.
Historical Context	Established more than 40 years ago.	A long-standing commitment to the accurate application of Islamic lunar calendar principles.
Website Information	The website contains information about the masjid's programs, services, and seminary.	Helps users in finding information and provides details about events
Adherence	Consistently follows local moon sighting.	Maintains a consistent approach to calendar determination.
Community Impact	Provides clarity, direction, and a sense of unity for Muslims in the region.	Plays a crucial role in fostering a cohesive community.
Contact Information	Headquarters Central Hilal Committee 7045 N. Western Avenue, Chicago IL 60645. Telephone is available.	Ensuring accessibility for queries and clarifications.
Prayer Timings	Provides prayer times in chicago(il), illinois united states for fajar, dhuhur, asr, maghrib & isha.	Helps users in finding the correct prayer times.

The central Hilal Committee (CHC) is more than just a calendar-setting body; it is a community builder. By providing accurate dates, it allows Muslims to plan their religious observances, such as fasting during Ramadan and celebrating Eid, with confidence. The CHC's work ensures that the community can come together in prayer and celebration, strengthening the bonds of faith and fellowship. It follows the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and provides clarity, direction, and a sense of unity for Muslims in the region.

The importance of moon sighting in Islam is underscored by verses in the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says in the glorious Quran, "They ask you (O Muhammad [salAllahu alayhi wa salam]) about the moon. They are seasons fixed for mankind and for the pilgrimage." The Prophet of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) has said, "Keep fast after seeing it (the moon), and break fast after seeing it." These teachings form the basis for the CHC's work. The CHC is in line with the Islamic teachings about moon sighting and plays a vital role in the community.

The announcements made by the CHC are eagerly awaited by the Muslim community. For instance, the anticipation surrounding the start of Ramadan is palpable. In 2024, the Chicago Hilal Committee determined that Tuesday, March 12, 2024, would be the 1st of Ramadan 1445. This announcement was made after efforts to sight the hilal. Following the sighting, the community prepares for the holy month, which is marked by increased prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. The CHC similarly announces the commencement of other months, such as Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan, and Dhul Hijjah, associated with the Hajj pilgrimage.

The process of moon sighting is not a simple one. The CHC relies on a network of contacts who report potential sightings from various locations. These reports are carefully evaluated, with the CHC verifying the credibility and accuracy of the information before making an announcement. The community is often encouraged to participate in the moon-sighting efforts, embodying the collective nature of this religious practice. The moon was sighted by contacts in San Diego, California on Sunday, March 10, 2024, which determined that the Ramadan will begin on march 12, 2024.

The Chicago Hilal Committee also ensures the community has access to essential resources. Their website is a hub for prayer times in Chicago, providing accurate information for daily prayers. This is particularly important for Muslims, as prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam. Knowing the correct prayer times allows Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and connects them with their faith. The Chicago Hilal Committee has determined that Saturday, March 1, 2025 will be the 1st of Ramadan 1446. The moon was sighted by our contacts on the east coast.

The committee's commitment to accuracy and the collective well-being of the community has made it an indispensable institution. Their website also offers information about the masjid's programs, services, and seminary. The CHC has established itself as a reliable source of Islamic calendar information and a source of unity. The CHC has not wavered on its opinion of following local moon sighting to determine the start and end of each lunar month. The criterion used is consistent with the criterion, ensuring that Muslims in the region can follow a consistent calendar.

The announcements made by the CHC are disseminated through multiple channels, including the official website and social media. The CHC works diligently to keep the community well-informed about the decisions and announcements. The effort underscores the importance of transparency and communication in fostering a cohesive and informed Muslim community. Additionally, the web page also has information about the masjid's programs, services, and seminary.

The Chicago Hilal Committee's contribution extends beyond just setting dates. It is committed to providing valuable resources for the community. The website offers a wealth of resources, including information on Islamic practices, prayer times, and contact details, thus helping Muslims better understand and practice their faith. Also, the CHC provides essential information about the recommended practices and etiquettes of the month, enhancing the spiritual experience for the community.

The committee's actions reflect the broader Islamic principle of unity and cooperation. In the absence of a unified global calendar, the CHC provides a consistent framework that facilitates religious observance. This also allows Muslims to come together and partake in religious practices, fostering a stronger sense of community and solidarity. The Chicago Hilal Committee plays a crucial role in the lives of Muslims in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

The CHC's diligent efforts have significantly impacted the community. By providing accurate and reliable information about the lunar calendar, the CHC enables Muslims to practice their faith with clarity and unity. It helps in promoting the Islamic values of community and cooperation. The CHC's role as a trusted source of religious information is a testament to its importance in the Chicago Muslim community.

The Chicago Hilal Committee serves a crucial purpose, by meticulously observing the moon and making sure the community follows its practice of moon sighting for the determination of Islamic dates. The CHC's commitment to accuracy, transparency, and community unity has established it as an essential institution within the Chicago Muslim community. The CHC's ongoing work ensures that Muslims can follow their faith with confidence, strengthening their communities and upholding the traditions of Islam.

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