Hilaal – Moon Sighting
Determining Islamic dates through crescent moon sightings — coordinating nationally with committees across South Africa and serving as the central body for the United Ulama Council of South Africa.
The Hilaal Service
JUSA maintains Hilaal Committees in every town under its jurisdiction. These committees sight the crescent moon each month to determine the Islamic date, with special attention given to Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha.
Monthly results are communicated to over 500 recipients electronically and by post, and critical announcements — such as the sighting of the Ramadan or Eid moon — are broadcast via Radio Islam International and distributed through all major media channels immediately upon confirmation.
JUSA serves as the central co-ordinator between Ulama bodies for national crescent sightings on behalf of the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA).
How Moon Sighting Works
Islamic Months
The Hilaal service determines the start of each of the 12 Islamic lunar months.