The Islamic Crescent Observation Project (ICOP) was established in 1998 as a Global project. Its primary aim as the only project of its kind is to gather information about the Crescent (Hillal) observations at the start of each Islamic lunar month in different countries and regions through out the world, and it is coordinated by Mohammad Odeh.

Any Individual or Organization can participate in this project or access ICOP's database on the internet free of charge. Membership is open to all, regardless of gender, location, nationality, religion, race, affiliation or financial status.

• To develop the crescent's observation criteria, based on the data and information obtained by the persons participating in this project, so that we will have a better judgment of the visibility of young crescents.

• To maintain unity and prevent errors which cause Major Islamic events such as the Eids to be celebrated on multiple Islamic days.

• To inform people around the world of the first day of some important lunar (Islamic) months, particularly the Holy month of Ramadan, and Shawwal, which is of particular interest for those who do not live in Islamic countries.

• Observe the Crescent on a monthly basis for all 12 Islamic months, so that a systematic count can be maintained for the prior months, which is vital for the correct determination and start of Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Zul Hijjah, Muharram etc.

Remark: Your participation in this project will certainly assist and develop Astronomy, and will also do a favor for Islam, which is one of the most widespread religions around the Globe. This is, therefore, a very important step in International cooperation between people coming from diverse religious, cultural, political, and social backgrounds. Thus do your best not to miss this noble work.

1. ICOP Member: ICOP member is kindly asked to provide us with his/her own observation of the young crescent at the beginning of every lunar month, whenever possible. Which can be submitted to us directly by a special on-line form found below in this web-page, and to provide us with the OFFICIAL first day of each lunar (Islamic) month in his/her country of residence. If this country is not Islamic (in the sense that muslims are a minority there), then, he/she is asked to provide us with the first day of the lunar month that is adopted by the Islamic community in this country.

2. ICOP Friend: If you are interested in ICOP, but you don't have enough time to participate in its work, then you would choose to be an ICOP Friend. And you can support ICOP by any possible way.

Please consider the following:-

• Particularly for Ramadan and Shawwal, the member's submission must be sent shortly after sunset of the 29th day of the previous lunar (Islamic) month. If a submission is received late, the information contained in it might loose some of its importance.

• It is NOT IMPERATIVE to observe the crescent monthly (though we will highly appreciate the efforts of the member who does so !!). At least, however, he/she IS REQUIRED to do his/her best in trying to observe the crescents of Ramadan, Shawwal, and Thul-Hejjah. However, more observations will be much more useful.

• Please don't choose ICOP Member unless you are sure that you can be an effective member. Or can participate in ICOP by any of the followings:-
  • Observe the crescent monthly, whenever possible.
  • Help in promoting ICOP.
  • Assist us by your experience and knowledge.
  • Any other thing might be helpful for ICOP.