Ramadan to start Sept 13, say UAE astronomers

The Emirates Astronomical Society (EAS) has announced that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday September 13 according to astronomical calculations.

EAS member Mohammed Ouda said that in many Muslim countries it will be impossible to sight the crescent moon on September 11, which corresponds to the Islamic date of Shaban 29, as the moon will set before the sun in most of its parts, state news agency Wam reported on Monday.

“Astronomical calculations showed that September 13 will be the first day of the fasting month in most Muslim countries like Oman, Morocco, Iran and others which started the month of Shaban on Tuesday August 14,” said Ouda, who is also chairman of the Islamic Crescents' Observation Project (ICOP).

As a result, Ouda said these countries should complete the Islamic month of Shaban in full as thirty days and start the fasting month on Thursday, September 13.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar which can be between 29 and 30 days, during which Muslims fast from before dawn to sunset.

Crescent moon essential

Though the UAE has not officially announced when the start of Ramadan will be, astronomy does play a role in sighting the start of a new lunar month, a senior Islamic scholar said.

“A clear image of the crescent moon is essential for announcing the start of Ramadan,” said Dr Ahmad Al Haddad, Grand Mufti at Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charity Works Department, quoted UAE daily Emirates Today.

“However, astronomical calculations are recognisable and reliable for ensuring whether the crescent can be sighted or not. If astronomers announce the inability to see the new month’s crescent, then scholars will not accept any testimony about its sighting.”

Al Haddad also called for greater collaboration between scientists and observers of the crescent to ensure Ramadan is started correctly.

The UAE, in addition to all GCC countries, officially announces Ramadan after the sighting of the new crescent moon by authorities.

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