Eid Al Fitr 2024 to coincide with solar eclipse? An astronomer predicts so

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It’s still seven weeks to go for Eid Al Fitr but we can’t help but report on the astronomical calculations that could bring about a 9-day holiday at the end of Ramadan.

When is Ramadan 2024?

Following the release of the new Islamic calendar for 1445, astronomers calculated that the month of fasting and prayers is expected to start March 11-12.

According to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Ramadan 2024 will begin on Tuesday, March 12 reported leading daily The National.

However, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board, Emirates Astronomical Society predicted, “During the year, it is expected that Eid Al Fitr will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2024…With 29 days of fasting, the month of Ramadan will end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 and hence the first day of the fast could be on March 11.”

Solar eclipse in April

The start of the month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr are both dependent on moon sightings. Hence, the upcoming solar eclipse in April could influence the celebration of the end of the fasting period.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8. The eclipse is predicted to begin in the South Pacific and cross the North American continent.

This eclipse is predicted to coincide with the new moon at the end of Ramadan. According to the Emirates Astronomical Association, the birth of the Shawwal (the Islamic month that follows Ramadan) crescent, will coincide with the solar eclipse on April 8, at 10.22 pm Gulf Standard Time.

Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the first day is observed as Eid Al Fitr.

The moon won’t be visible in the evening sky on April 8, but is likely to be seen before dawn on April 9 in the region. This means April 10, 2024, would mark the start of Shawwal, Eid Al Fitr, and the new lunar month. However, the official Eid date depends on actually spotting the moon.

Al Jarwan added the total solar eclipse happening in North America won’t be visible in the Arabian Peninsula.

Eid Al Fitr holiday

The UAE government announced public holidays from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. According to the Gregorian calendar, this spans from April 9 to April 12 but the new forecast could bring an additional day to the long weekend ensuring a 9-day break for Eid Al Fitr.