Bismillahi r-Rahmani r-Raheem. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your loved ones. The first day of Ramadan is always a matter of dispute because it requires moon sighting, which depends on where one lives and weather conditions in that country. When it comes to the question of what day we should start our fast, Mawlana Shaykh Nazim always said, "Fast with the country where you reside."

This Ramadan is no different. Some calendars are announcing the start as May 14th, some May 15th, others May 16th.

To avoid this confusion, I advise mureeds to start Ramadan as Mawlana Shaykh advised, with the country in which they reside. Let us not cause confusion for ourselves nor others around us. No one can now say, "Mawlana Shaykh Nazim is fasting on this day, so regardless (of my when family/community is fasting), I will fast the same day as my shaykh."

Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts the day of doubt (30th of Shaaban) has disobeyed Abul-Qasim (Sayyidina Muhammad).” (Abu Dawud, At- Tirmidhi. Malik, Ahmad, Ash-Shafi`i)

May Allah bless you and accept your fasting, your prayers, and your requests.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani