A UAE-based astronomer has recently made predictions regarding the dates for Ramadan and Eid al Fitr in 2024, sparking anticipation of a potential nine-day weekend. According to these astronomical calculations, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, 2024.
Eid al Fitr is one of two major holidays celebrated in Islam. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by Muslims worldwide.
This period is considered the holiest time in the Islamic calendar, with fasting being one of the five pillars of Islam that form the foundation of the religion.
The break for Eid al Fitr traditionally runs from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 on the Islamic Calendar (Hijri). For 2024, this period is likely to correspond to Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12 in the Gregorian calendar.
If the astronomical predictions hold true, those who have a Saturday and Sunday weekend could enjoy a nine-day break, with work resuming on Monday, April 15.
However, these dates are subject to change based on the sighting of the crescent moon. The Islamic Calendar is lunar-based, meaning that the confirmation of these dates in the Gregorian calendar requires a specific phase of the moon to be sighted.
If the crescent moon isn’t sighted and Ramadan lasts for 30 days, Eid al Fitr will be a seven-day break, from Tuesday, April 8 to Friday, April 12.
As of now, these dates remain predictions, and we await official confirmation from UAE officials closer to the time. Regardless of the exact dates, the anticipation of Eid al Fitr brings with it a sense of community and spiritual reflection, as Muslims worldwide prepare to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.