A renowned astronomer from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made predictions about the dates for Ramadan 2024. The forecast is based on precise astronomical calculations and indicates that we are approximately six months away from the holy month.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, shared his predictions recently. According to Al Jarwan, the new crescent of the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal will be born on Friday, September 15, at 5.40 am UAE time.
He further explained that the crescent would be positioned above the western horizon at an altitude of four degrees at sunset on the same day. It is expected to set around 21 minutes after sunset, marking Saturday, September 16 as the first day of Rabi’ al-Awwal. These calculations suggest that we are now halfway to Ramadan 2024.
The Islamic calendar causes the corresponding Gregorian dates to shift annually. Typically, Ramadan advances by approximately ten days each year. For instance, in 2023, the first day of Ramadan fell on Thursday, March 23. As per Al Jarwan’s calculations, the first day of Ramadan in 2024 is expected to be Saturday, March 16. However, official confirmation from UAE authorities is awaited closer to the date.
Ramadan holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a period of fasting from sunrise to sunset, during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. Non-Muslims are also expected to respect these practices in public.
This holy month commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). During Ramadan, Muslims engage in extra tarawih prayers, with a thirtieth of the Qur’an recited each evening. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental practice for Muslims, marking a time for prayer, reflection, religious devotion, and good deeds.
As we approach this sacred period, the anticipation and preparations are already underway. The predictions made by Al Jarwan serve as a reminder of the approaching holy month and the spiritual preparations that it entails.