On Thursday, July 16, 2015 (the 29th day of Ramadan), the Perak Mufti Department organized a program called " Rukyah Hilal Shawal Program 1436H, held at Baitul Hilal, Pantai Pasir Panjang, Segari. It aims to determine the date of IdulFitri with the sighting of the new moon (crescent) of Shawal, in addition to provide exposure to the public about the hilal methods in particular, and astronomy in general.

Among those present were the Hon. Dato’ Drs. Mohd. Nizar bin Zakaria, Chairman of the Islamic Education, Personality Development, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, State Government of Perak, Dato 'Hj. Mohd Yusof bin Hj. Husin, Director of the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPK), Mr. Fadzilah Harith bin Hj Abdul Halim, Deputy Director JAIPK, as well as Orang-Orang Besar Jajahan (OBJ). The program was also attended by about two hundred from the public.

The program began with the opening of the first session, which was chaired by Ustaz Mohamad Amri Alhusni bin Mohamad Dasuki. The ceremony began with the new moon of Shawal 1436H rukyah briefing delivered by Ustaz Nor Izwan bin Hamdan, Falak Officer from the Perak Mufti Department, followed by the reading of tahlil headed by S.F. Ustaz Hj. Zamri bin Hashim, Deputy Mufti of Perak.

Next the second session began with the ritual observation or sighting of the new moon along the coast. The rukyah is done by YBhg Tan Sri Dato 'Seri Dr. Hj. Harussani bin Hj. Zakaria, the Mufti of Perak followed by other guests of honor. Having ascertained the moon is not visible, YBhg Tan Sri contact the Keeper of the Rulers to inform the rukyah, using the phone provided by Telekom Malaysia (TM). The program continued with Maghrib prayers and ended with dinner. We wish all these good efforts are valued by Allah as worship and rewarded by Allah.

Source: Maktabah Division of Perak Mufti Department.