Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is fardh (“obligatory”) for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (wājib) during the month of Sha’aban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. Fatwas have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with natural phenomenon such as the midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca.
In Kuwait Astronomy Researcher Adel Yusuf Al-Marzooq said the holy month of Ramadan this year will most likely start on June 18 and end on July 17 — a total of 30 days, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Marzooq explained the basic rule in specifying the beginning of Ramadan and Eid is based on the legal texts stipulating conditions for fasting or breaking the fast, particularly the appearance of the crescent moon. He was quick to add though that astronomic calculations are done by humans; hence, there could be inaccuracies.
He disclosed the fasting period on the first day of Ramadan will be 15.36 hours, indicating the Eid crescent moon might be visible this year as the Sun will set at 6:49 pm while the moon will be seen at 6:55 pm, so the moon may be visible for six minutes.
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