EXPLAINER: Why Ramadan will be observed twice in 2030
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The exact dates of Ramadan change every year. This is because Islam uses a calendar based on the cycles of the moon.
The Ramadan period is a 30 or 29-day fast from sunrise to sunset every day.
On the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims observe a special night called Layat al-Qadr, sometimes referred to as the Night of Power.
At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for festive meals and exchange gifts.
Astronomers and Islamic scholars expect Ramadan to be observed twice in 2030.
This is due to the fact that the Islamic Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles, while the Gregorian calendar marks the Earth’s passage around the sun.
The disparity between the two calendars means that Ramadan will fall twice in one Gregorian year roughly every 30 years, the astronomer said in a video posted on his Twitter account.
The last time it happened was in 1997, and before that in 1965. It is due to happen again in 2063.
In the Hijri year 1451 AH, Ramadan will begin around January 5, 2030, and in the year 1452 AH it will fall around December 26, 2030.
This will result in Muslims fasting for around 36 days total in 2030: The full month of 30 days for the year 1451 AH and around six days for the year 1452.
Eid Al Fitr celebration is also expected to take place in February 2030.
As always, the official dates are dependent on the sighting of the moon which is determined by the authorities in different countries.
Credit: The Nation
