Ramadan Mubarak 2024: Why Is Moon Sighting Important During Holy Month Of Ramazan?

Ramadan 2024: The highly significant month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is on the horizon, and Muslims worldwide are gearing up with enthusiasm and zeal for its arrival. Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is the ninth month of the Hijri Calendar or Islamic Calendar. This month-long festival is observed by Muslims globally through fasting, offering prayers, engaging in humanitarian activities, and donning new clothes.

Regarded as the holiest month for Muslims, Ramadan commences and concludes with the sighting of the moon, leading to the festive celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr the following day. People observe the month of Ramadan by fasting (roza) each day from dawn to dusk.

Ramadan 2024 Start And End Dates

In India, The holy month of Ramadan 2024 is likely to begin on March 11 or March 12, this depends on the sighting of the crescent moon and will last for four weeks and ends with Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is expected to occur on April 10, 2024, or April 11, 2024. Every nation observes its holy month on a different day. Muslim communities all over the world observe Ramadan.

Ramadan 2024 Moon Sighting time

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin either on Monday, March 11, or Tuesday, March 12, depending on the sighting of the moon in Mecca. Following Islamic tradition, the crescent moon of Ramadan is initially sighted in Saudi Arabia and certain regions of India, while other countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, typically observe it a day later.

The Role of Moon Sighting in Islamic Traditions

The eagerly awaited appearance of the crescent moon holds immense importance for Muslims globally, as it signifies the commencement of this sacred month. Moon sighting plays a pivotal role in determining the timing of crucial religious events, including the onset of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan. Additionally, it influences the start of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, occurring in the month of Dhul-Hijjah.

The precise sighting of the moon is crucial for the timely initiation of these religious observances. Before Ramadan, the month of Shabaan is devoted to preparations for the upcoming period of fasting and celebration. On the 29th day of Shabaan, moon-sighting committees gather after sunset to search for the crescent moon, a longstanding tradition passed down through generations.

Moon sighting not only holds religious significance but also nurtures community bonds as Muslims come together in the pursuit of these vital spiritual practices. Prophet Muhammad himself endorsed the tradition of moon sighting, underscoring the importance of commencing Ramadan based on its observation or after completing a full thirty days. This practice reinforces a shared sense of community and devotion among Muslims worldwide.

Significance of moon sighting in Ramadan

The observation of the crescent moon carries significant religious importance in Islam. This sighting marks the commencement and conclusion of the sacred month, with religious authorities diligently scanning the night sky ahead of Ramadan. This age-old tradition holds paramount importance as the Muslim calendar aligns with the lunar cycle, unlike the Gregorian calendar.

The initiation of a new lunar cycle signals the beginning of the Hijri calendar. With 12 months, each alternating between 30 and 29 days, Ramadan follows the month of Shaaban. It commences after the sunset of the 29th day of Shaaban and concludes with the start of the Shawwal month.

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations

• Throughout Ramadan, Muslims engage in prayer and observe Roza, symbolizing their devotion to Allah.
• During this month, followers globally abstain from worldly pleasures, dedicating their time to prayer, reciting the Holy Quran, and spending moments with family.
• The day commences with individuals waking up for Sehri, a pre-dawn meal. From sunrise until sunset, they abstain from eating or drinking anything.
• At sunset, they break their fast with Iftar, often featuring a spread of delicious foods.

Significance of Ramadan

The holy month begins during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The origins of Ramadan date back to the 7th century when Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Holy Quran. The revelation of the Quran began on the 27th night ¡ª Laylatul Qadr ¡ª of this month, believed to be the most sacred of all nights.

During this month-long period, Muslims not only abstain from eating and drinking but also engage in charitable activities and other endeavors that draw them closer to Almighty Allah. The primary goal of this significant practice during Ramadan is to cultivate the ability to control negative aspects of life that may lead believers astray from the right path. The Ramadan period is deemed crucial for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

The followers of Islam believe that fasting strengthens their faith and fosters a connection with divine power.

Ramadan 2024 Date & Time FAQs

When does Ramadan 2024 start?

This year, Ramadan 2024 was supposed to begin on March 11 or March 12, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca.

How long is Ramadan 2024?

Ramadan 2024 is expected to last 30 days.

When does Ramadan 2024 end?

April 10 or April 11, 2024.

What year will Ramadan be 2 times?

Ramadan is likely to occur twice in 2030, owing to differences between the Gregorian and the Islamic/ Hijri calendar, said Dr Sobeih Al Saadi, an astronomer. ¡°The Hijri year differs from the Gregorian year by about 11 days, and this means that every 33 years, Ramadan is repeated twice in one year,¡± he explained.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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