Egyptian Astronomy Professor’s Prediction about When Month of Fasting Begins
Mohamed Gharib, a professor at Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy, told the Al-Hadath al-Yawm TV that on the last day of February 2025, the time the crescent moon remains visible after sunset, which determines the first day of Ramadan, will be lengthy.
“Therefore, there will be ample time to observe the crescent moon,” he said, el-Balad news website reported.
The duration of the staying of the crescent moon (the time the crescent stays in the sky) in Islamic capitals will be between 20 to 44 minutes, making the sighting of the crescent moon likely, he stated.
He said in all Muslim countries, including those in Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan, the holy month will likely begin on the same day because the time of the crescent staying in the sky on the last day of February will be between 20 and 29 minutes.
So based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, he said, noting though that the final decision on this matter will be announced by the Dar al-Ifta of Egypt after seeking the result of efforts to sight of the moon.
Ramadan is the ninth and most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations.
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They also devote more time to prayer, charity and good deeds, seeking to strengthen their faith and purify their souls.
Some religious scholars rely on astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of lunar months while most of them believe visual sighting of the moon should be used in this case.
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