The countdown of all countdowns has officially begun. Ramadan, the holiest Islamic month of the year, is officially less than 60 days away. Yup, you read that right. *chugs water*
According to the Islamic calendar, the month of Rajab started on Feb. 25 and will end on March 24. It is followed by Sha'ban, which is expected to last for 29 days, ending on April 23. That means April 24 is most likely to be the first day of Ramadan.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, told Gulf News that the new moon sighting for Ramadan in 2020 will most likely occur on April 23. The latter is an anticipated event observed by Muslims worldwide.
Moon sighting is also relied upon to determine the last day of Ramadan and the first day of Eid El Fitr. This year, many have predicted that the Shawwal crescent, which marks the official end of the month and last day of fasting, would be visible on May 23. In other words, the first day of Eid is expected to be May 24.
While many have already started getting ready, jotting down their goals and resolutions, others are panicking and hyperventilating at the shocking news.
Because one thing's for sure: If there's any time of the year that Muslims find special and worthy of reflection it's most definitely Ramadan.