Welcoming Ramadan – Begins Tomorrow InshaAllah

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatu-Allah wa barakatuh,

In accordance with our established policy, we are pleased to announce that the month of Ramadan will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, and Taraweeh prayers will commence tonight, Tuesday, February 17, following Isha prayer InshaAllah.

Although the moon was not sighted locally here in Hawai‘i, there have been confirmed sightings in other regions across different geographical areas. In accordance with MAH’s moon-sighting policy, which accepts verified sightings beyond our local horizon when reliably established, we will honor those reports. Therefore, we confirm that the first day of Ramadan will be tomorrow, InshaAllah.

 Allah SWT says:

 “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain taqwā.” (Qur’an 2:183)

 The Prophet SWS said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all of their past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

We ask Allah SWT to allow us to reach Ramadan and to accept from us our fasting, our prayers, our duaa, and our Qiyam. May HE SWT make this month a means of mercy, forgiveness, and elevation for all of us. May He grant us sincerity, strength, and consistency in worship, unite our community upon goodness, and bring relief to those facing hardship around the world.

We welcome this blessed month with gratitude and excitement and look forward to coming together in worship, reflection, and community.Finally, as we welcome the blessed nights of Ramadan, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of parking within the neighborhood and to respect our neighbors at all times. In Islam, honoring one’s neighbor is not only a noble character but an emphasized obligation.

 The Prophet SWS  said

“Jibrīl continued to advise me regarding the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

 and he SWS also said

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not harm his neighbor.”

Please note that the program will begin at 8:15 PM and conclude around 9:45 PM. For those parking inside the MAH parking lot, cars will not be moved until the program is completed. If you anticipate needing to leave earlier, we kindly ask that you park outside the MAH lot, while ensuring you do not block driveways or inconvenience our neighbors.

Being considerate—avoiding blocking driveways, keeping noise to a minimum, and parking responsibly—is part of our deen and reflects our community’s character.

Jazakum Allah Kheir for your cooperation and for helping us uphold the best of manners in our community. Ramadan Mubarak to you and your families.

-Muslim Association of Hawai'i