By Ragheema Mclean As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims across South Africa are preparing to observe the new moon sighting this evening (9 April 2024). This sighting will determine the start of Shawwal 1445 and the beginning of the Eid-ul-Fitr festivities. In accordance with tradition, the Crescent Observer’s Society, known as the "Maankykers," will convene at Three Anchor Bay tonight to look for the hilaal […]
A man whose iconic voice echoed the call to prayer at every moonsighting in Cape Town has fallen silent. Hadji Omar Gabier, the revered, dedicated and passionate ‘maankyker’, has passed on at the age of 85. He served as the president of the Crescent Observer's Society (COS), a dedicated group who on a monthly basis would meet to confirm the sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of the […]
There was a sigh of relief amongst the crowd at Three Anchor Bay on Saturday evening upon the announcement that South Africans will fast another day, due to the moon not being sighted. The Crescent Observers Society (COS) confirmed that ulema had reached a consensus that the crescent had not been spotted anywhere in the country. This means Eid-ul-Fitr will be marked on Monday 26 June, the first day of […]
All eyes will be on Crescent Observers Society (COS) on Saturday as it heads out to Three Anchor Bay for the annual sighting of the moon for Eid-ul-Fitr. The much loved cultural tradition takes place on the 29th day of Ramadan and will signify whether Eid will be celebrated on Sunday or Monday. If the crescent is sighted, it will mark the end of Ramadan and the start of the […]
Muslims in South Africa will head to various viewing points across the country to get a glimpse of the moon, which will signify the start of Ramadan. After consultation with ulema in other provinces, the Crescent Observers Society will make the announcement live on VOC after Maghrib. If sighted, Saturday 27 May will be the first day of fasting. However, if it isn’t sighted, the fasting will automatically begin on Sunday, which could […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
