Resources
The Deeni Library and moonsighting information — the reference material behind the community’s practice.
When Ramadan and Eid actually begin
The Islamic calendar is lunar. A month begins when the new crescent is sighted — not when an app says it should be.
That distinction matters practically. Every year families plan leave from work, book flights and prepare food around a date that a printed calendar gave them months earlier, and every year that date can move by a day.
MCSI announces confirmed dates for the start of Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha to the community as soon as they are determined — often the evening before. Announcements go out by email first, then to Facebook, Instagram and this website.
Don’t rely on a calendar you printed in January
Join the mailing list and you will get the confirmation the moment it is made.
Key dates in the Mehdavia year
- Ramadan — nightly Taraveeh at the musallah
- Lailatul Qadr — Dugana Lailatul Qadr, our largest gathering
- Eid ul Fitr — Eid salah followed by Eid Milap
- Eid ul Adha — Eid salah and qurbani arrangements
- Milad-e-Mehdi — Jalsa-e-Seerat-e-Imamuna Mehdi AS
Moonsighting authority
Please confirm which moonsighting authority or process MCSI follows (local sighting, a nominated Australian body, or a specific overseas authority). Stating this plainly is the single most useful thing this page can do — it is the exact question members ask every Ramadan.
Reference material for the community
Books, study aids and recordings on Mehdavia teachings, the Qur’an, and the life of Imam Mehdi Alaihis Salam — kept at the musallah for members to use.
Mehdavia teachings
Core texts on the life, message and practices taught by Hazrat Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri, Imam Mehdi Alaihis Salam.
Qur’an & tafsir
Mushafs, tajweed guides and tafsir used in Deeni Academy teaching and personal study.
Academy materials
Workbooks and teaching resources used by Deeni Academy classes, available to enrolled families.
Library catalogue & downloads
The old site had a Deeni Library page. If the committee can supply a catalogue — or a set of PDFs, audio bayans or recorded lectures that may be shared publicly — they can be listed and linked here. Downloadable resources are the strongest reason for people outside Sydney to link to this site, which is exactly what improves search ranking.
Photo — the monthly newsletterCover of a recent issue
The MCSI community newsletter
Each month the committee publishes a newsletter covering community news, the month in Islam, Qur’an corner, upcoming events, financial reporting, kids’ content and community milestones.
It is the most complete record of what is happening in the community, and the fastest way to stay connected if you cannot attend every week.
Resources — frequently asked
How does MCSI determine the start of Ramadan and Eid?
The start of a lunar month depends on sighting the new crescent moon. MCSI follows moonsighting practice and announces confirmed dates to the community by email and on social media as soon as they are determined. Because confirmation often comes the evening before, we encourage members to join the mailing list rather than rely on printed calendars.
Why do calendars disagree about Eid?
Printed and app calendars usually show astronomical dates — when the moon is calculable as born. Actual sighting can fall a day later depending on local visibility conditions, which is why a pre-printed date should be treated as an estimate until the community confirms it.
What is in the Deeni Library?
The Deeni Library holds reference material on Mehdavia teachings, the life of Imam Mehdi Alaihis Salam, Qur’anic study aids and materials used by the Deeni Academy. Ask a member of the Religious Committee at the musallah about borrowing.
Can I contribute a book or recording to the library?
Yes — donations of appropriate books and recordings are welcome. Email the committee before bringing items so the Religious Committee can confirm they are suitable.