The holy month of Ramadan is set to begin on Tuesday, March 12, according to the latest astronomical calculations, an expert said in a Khaleej Times report. This period of fasting is anticipated to span the full 30 days, potentially leading to a six-day holiday for residents in celebration of the Islamic festival of Eid Al Fitr.
The commencement and conclusion of Ramadan, as well as Eid Al Fitr, traditionally hinge on the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning and end of months in the Islamic Hijri calendar.
An expert explained to Khaleej Times, “Based on astronomical maps, the Moon will be clearly visible with the naked eye in many regions on March 11, indicating that March 12 is a likely date for the start of Ramadan. The maps reveal widespread green areas, denoting favorable conditions for a naked-eye sighting of the new crescent Moon.”
In Islamic tradition, the sighting of the crescent Moon signals the start of a new lunar month. The end of the month is similarly determined by the observation of the next crescent Moon, aligning with the centuries-old practice of moon sighting to dictate the Islamic calendar’s months.