Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[5]
There are many disagreements each year however on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[6] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
Fatimid Dawoodi Bohra believe that Imam is the "Moon of Islam". Islam (Muhammad and Ahl al-Bayt) had given so much importance to Imam that to 'see Imam or his representative' was thought equivalent of 'seeing the Moon'. On this belief Fatimid Dawoodi Bohra claim that Imam is the true moon, and to see or follow him /his representative is same as of 'honouring or seeing the moon'. This is a belief that they follow from era of Fatimid imam (10th century)and celebrate the start of the month as per Hijri calender (which is made as per astronomical calculation,and respect Moon theory of Islam also). There Dai has ensured the continuity from those days and it is their strong belief.
Fatimid Dawoodi Bohra Tabular Islamic calendar is very simple.As in Lunar year there are 354.3 days, Their odd numbered months have 30 days and the even numbered months have 29 days, except in a leap year when the 12th and final month has 30 days.
This is being followed from era of Fatimid Imam (last 1000 years), matching perfectly with lunar cycle, and not requiring any correction ). This way the Moon/'Moon of Islam/Imam'/His representative is honoured and there is no ambiguity in start or finish of the month. This method also ensure compulsory 30 days Roja (fasting) in Ramadan as per Islamic principles.
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