As the UAE anticipates the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan in just six months, tentative dates for the commencement of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid Al Fitr have been revealed.
According to the Islamic Hijri calendar, it is currently the month of Safar. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, has announced that based on astronomical calculations, the forthcoming month of Rabi Al Awwal is expected to begin on September 16.
Ramadan 2024 is projected to commence in the second week of March, with Eid Al Fitr likely falling on April 10.
These dates are provisional and will be confirmed according to the sighting of the crescent moon, a fundamental aspect of the Islamic Hijri calendar which spans either 29 or 30 days per month.
Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims globally, marked as a period of fasting from dawn until dusk, starting before the Fajr (morning) prayer and breaking at the call for Maghrib (dusk) prayer.
This holy month is a time of reflection, where Muslims develop a deeper connection with God, fostering self-control, gratitude, and compassion through abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours.
The practice encourages a closer relationship with God through increased prayer and reading of the Holy Quran, believed to be revealed during this sacred time.
In the UAE, Ramadan is a time of heightened spirituality, reflected in the adjusted school and work hours to accommodate the fasting period.
The days are characterized by a slower pace, allowing Muslims to focus on religious obligations and personal growth.