When does Ramadan 2024 begin and how can the moon be seen?
Depending on when the new moon appears on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12 will be the first day of fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Mecca.
The Islamic lunar calendar determines Ramadan which begins with the appearance of a crescent moon. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries rely on moon-sighting reports to establish the beginning of the month.
The moon’s crescent must set after the sun in order for it to be seen. This makes it possible for the sky to be sufficiently dark to see the little sliver of the new moon.
After the sun goes down on the night of March 10, 29th of Shaaban month in the Hijri calendar, moongazers turn west with a clear view of the horizon to get their first glimpse of the crescent moon. If the moon is visible, the month of Ramadan begins, with the first fasting day on March 11. Otherwise, Shaaban will last 30 days and the first fasting day will be March 12.
In Saudi Arabia, testimony from persons who have seen the moon is recorded and the Supreme Court decides when Ramadan should begin.
Based on a moon tracker maintained by the Nautical Almanac Office of the United Kingdom, the new moon for Ramadan will occur on March 10 at 17:23 GMT (8:23 PM Mecca time). No sightings of any kind are anticipated throughout that evening.
On March 10, the new moon should be visible only in the Pacific near the Hawaiian Islands and parts of French Polynesia. It is unlikely that most of the world including the Middle East, North America and Europe will be able to see the new crescent with the naked eye.
If the skies are clear across most of the planet on March 11, the new moon may be visible without the use of optical aids. Telescopic sightings are expected in southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.
Depending on whether the new moon is visible on the 29th night of each month the length of a lunar month can range from 29 to 30 days. The month lasts 30 days in the event that the new moon is not seen.
Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month during which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago.
Throughout the month, Muslims fast from just before sunrise (Fajr) till sundown (Maghrib).
The fast comprises abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual interactions in order to increase one’s “taqwa” or spiritual awareness.
Fasting is one of Islam’s five pillars along with the Muslim statement of faith, daily prayers, charity and undertaking the Hajj trip to Mecca if physically and financially able.
Many Muslim-majority countries have shorter business hours and most restaurants close during fasting hours.
Many countries with a majority of Muslims have a customized greeting in their original tongue. During this time, people frequently greet each other with “Ramadan Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem” which respectively wish the recipient a blessed and prosperous month.
The Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. It means “festival of breaking the fast” in Arabic. The three-day celebration of Eid al-Fitr is expected to begin on April 10 or 11 depending on the new moon sighting.
