Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim calendar, is set to begin on different days in various countries this year, sparking curiosity and confusion among observers. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the traditional method of determining the start of Ramadan – the sighting of the new moon.
Islamic countries and Muslims worldwide follow the Hijri calendar, which marks the beginning of each month with the sighting of the early crescent moon. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, commences with the sighting of the new moon. However, the exact timing of this sighting can vary from place to place due to a multitude of factors, including the method of observation and weather conditions.
For instance, Saudi Arabia announced that Ramadan would start on Monday after confirming the sighting of the crescent moon on Sunday. In contrast, neighboring Oman reported that the moon was not visible, leading them to declare Tuesday as the official start of Ramadan. Similarly, Iran and several Southeast Asian countries will also begin their Ramadan observance on Tuesday after unsuccessful moon sightings.
The process of determining the start of Ramadan has been a topic of debate among astronomers for centuries. With advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, moon sightings have become more accurate but also more complex. Questions arise about whether a moon sighting is valid if it can only be seen with optical aids and not the naked eye.
The variability in the start date of Ramadan extends to the duration of fasting as well. The Hijri calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing Ramadan to shift each year. Additionally, the length of fasting days depends on the observer’s location in relation to the Equator, with those closer experiencing more consistent fasting schedules.
Despite the challenges and differences in moon sightings and fasting durations, the spirit of Ramadan remains a unifying force for Muslims worldwide, bringing communities together in prayer, reflection, and acts of charity.
