Suggested Global Islamic Calendar (If Ulamaa' want to consider) Astronomical calculations can be used to determine the beginning of the lunar months with the consideration of the sightability of the crescent anywhere on the globe. To determine a Global Islamic Calendar, a conventional point of reference must be used. Makkah is the best place to be used as a reference point. The Islamic month begins at sunset of the day when the conjunction occurs before 3:00 PM Makkah time (which is 12:00 Noon GMT). If the conjunction occurs after 3:00 PM Makkah time, then the month begins at sunset of the next day. Brief Explanation: A.   Discussion of a number of research papers led to the conclusion that the use of calculation both in negation as well as affirmation of the beginning of the new Lunar months has a firm basis in the Qur'an and Sunnah as well as in the opinion of some classical and contemporary jurists. B.   The new moon (i.e. time of conjunction) is when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun closest to the Sun-Earth line. This time of conjunction is precisely predictable by astronomical calculation. C.   The conjunction before 0:00 at IDL (i.e. 12:00 Noon GMT) would give enough time to the new moon to be visible (weather permitting) somewhere on the globe on that day. Paper presented in the 2nd Emirates Astronomical Conference in Abu Dhabi, May 30, 2010, for Global Islamic Calendar Global Islamic Calendar Global Dates No complicated calculations are needed for this calendar. Any person with common sense math can make it. Only the time and date of New Moon Birth is Needed. Important Dates in Global Calendar Click here for Important dates (12 years) in Global Islamic Calendar Why 3:00 PM Makkah time It would be interesting to note is that when it is 3:00 PM Makkah time (or 12:00 Noon GMT), it is 0:00 at International Dateline (IDL) [180:00 Longitude]. So, when sunset time comes at IDL around 6:00 to 6:30 pm, it will be 18 plus hours after conjunction, and the moon is sightable somewhere on earth. Secondary reason is that when it is 3:00 PM Makkah time (or 12:00 Noon GMT), it is 0:00 at IDL. If the conjunction has occurred before that time, then the month can begin at the IDL when it is 0:00 at IDL, meaning a new day has started. This condition will not be true if we choose any other reference time. Also, the sightability consideration would be affected if any other time is chosen. Copyright © moonsighting.com      Updated August 27, 2010