Ramadan 2024: The holy month of Ramadan is approaching, and anticipation is building across Muslim communities worldwide. While the exact Ramadan 2024 start date varies based on the sighting of the crescent moon, most Islamic nations are expected to begin fasting on Monday, March 11th, 2024. However, there are nuanced details to consider.
Ramadan 2024: Global Sighting and Expected Start Date
Many Islamic countries began the month of Shaaban on February 11th, 2024. They are now gearing up to observe the crescent Ramadan 2024 moon on Sunday, March 10th. According to the International Astronomical Center, the central conjunction (the moment when the sun and moon are exactly 180 degrees apart) is expected to occur on that day at 9:00 AM GMT. This positions the moon ideally for sighting after sunset in most regions of the Islamic world. Therefore, Monday, March 11th, appears to be the likely start date for Ramadan 2024 in many countries.
Scientific Considerations and Unlikely Visibility on March 10th:
However, several scientific factors cast doubt on the possibility of reliably sighting the crescent moon on March 10th in most regions. Renowned scholars like Ibn Tariq, Wutheringham, Maunder, Parwin, and Elias, alongside astronomical entities like SAAO and researchers Yallop and Odeh, all agree that the crescent will be too young and faint to be visible with the naked eye or even with a telescope across the Arab and Islamic world on that day.
Potential Visibility in the Americas:
While visibility remains limited on March 10th for most, there’s a slight chance of sighting the crescent with a telescope in certain parts of the Americas, particularly in western regions. However, this wouldn’t necessarily influence the official start date for countries outside the Americas.
Start Date for Countries Requiring Local Sighting:
For countries that require the confirmed sighting of the Ramadan 2024 crescent moon within their own geographic area, the beginning of Ramadan 2024 is anticipated to be Tuesday, March 12th. This is due to the aforementioned scientific calculations indicating the moon’s visibility will be significantly higher on that day.
Importance of Local Authorities and Official Announcements:
It’s crucial to remember that the official start date for Ramadan 2024 is determined by local authorities and religious institutions in each respective country. They will consider various factors, including astronomical data, expert opinions, and the possibility of local moon sighting. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay informed through official announcements from local authorities closer to the expected start date.
While March 11th appears to be the most probable start date for Ramadan 2024 in many Islamic nations, the final confirmation will come through official pronouncements based on local assessments and moon sighting practices. The scientific predictions highlight the importance of utilizing both astronomical expertise and local observations to accurately determine the beginning of Ramadan.