Ramadan, a significant observance for Muslims worldwide, occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is anticipated to conclude this month. Reports indicate that the final day of Ramadan, commencing on March 11, is projected to fall on either April 8, 9, or 10, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. The culmination of Ramadan will signal the commencement of Eid Al-Fitr.
This year, the potential conclusion of Ramadan coincides with the occurrence of a total solar eclipse slated to be visible in select regions on April 8. A total solar eclipse transpires when the Moon aligns between the Sun and Earth, obstructing the Sun entirely. As described by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this event results in a darkened sky reminiscent of dawn or dusk.
Coinciding with the total solar eclipse, the conclusion of Ramadan also corresponds to a moment when the moon interposes between Earth and the sun, unveiling the moon’s far side.
In simpler terms, Ramadan is identified by the emergence of the new moon, with the total solar eclipse representing a unique occasion for lunar visibility. During the eclipse, however, the new moon remains obscured by the sun’s brilliance and thus remains unseen.
When is the new moon expected this month? According to Space.com, the forthcoming new moon is scheduled for Monday, April 8, at 2:21 pm EDT (1821 GMT) or 11:51 pm Indian Standard Time (IST). As elucidated by Science Direct, a solar eclipse arises when the new moon obstructs the Sun, casting a shadow on portions of Earth.
Will this occurrence affect Ramadan and Eid festivities? The total solar eclipse will be observable across North America, traversing Mexico, the United States, and Canada on Monday, April 8, with no visibility anticipated in India.
The solar eclipse’s influence extends to the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon, offering a rare opportunity for direct observation. However, it is cautioned against directly viewing the solar eclipse. Eid al-Fitr signifies the conclusion of Ramadan and the advent of the month of Shawwal.
The visibility of the crescent moon post-eclipse is improbable until April 9, the 30th day of Ramadan, as reported by The National. Initially expected to commence on April 9, Eid’s onset will likely be delayed due to the solar eclipse, rendering the new moon invisible at the western horizon post-sunset on April 8.
Consequently, the crescent moon is anticipated to become visible post-sunset on April 9 in numerous Islamic regions, Europe, Africa, and America, according to the Times of India. Moreover, April 10 is poised to mark the commencement of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr globally, as highlighted by Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
An eclipse cartographer purportedly informed USA TODAY that since the eclipse occurs in the early afternoon of April 8, the moon phase will be too nascent, prohibiting the sighting of the crescent Moon that evening.
Amidst various speculations, confirmation of Eid al-Fitr’s onset awaits Monday night, emphasizing that certainty prevails only upon the sighting of the crescent moon.
