An Astronomy expert says UAE residents will be treated to moderate spring temperatures and fasting hours that could extend for 14 hours during Ramadan.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan is the Chairman of The Board of Directors for the Emirates Astronomy Society. He spoke to Arabic Daily Emarat Al Youm. He said that the new crescent for Ramadan would appear at 9:23 PM on Tuesday, March 21, after sunset. The next day it would rise 10 degrees above the western sky and will set after 50 minutes.
According to him, the first day of Ramadan in the Hijri Year 1444 will likely start on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023. Friday, April 21st is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Fitr. He explained that the new crescent for Shawwal will be born at 8:13 AM on Thursday, April 20, and will be 4° above the western horizon at sunset. This will make the next day Shawwal.
According to him, the fasting hours for the Holy Month will last approximately 13 and half hours from dawn until dusk and reach 14 hours and 13 mins towards the end.
He pointed out that spring will begin astronomically on March 21st. Next year Ramadan will occur at the end of the winter season. According to him, Ramadan 2023 will have temperatures ranging from 17 to 35° at the start of the holy month to 17 to 36° towards the end. Heavy thunder rains could also be caused by the “Al Sarayat”, spring weather disturbances, during Ramadan 2023.
The World Meteorological Organisation reports that March’s average temperature is between 17o-27.9oC and that the average total rainfall in March is 22.4mm and that there are an average of 3.8 days of rain. It is possible to have al-fresco iftars during Ramadan’s first half. Ramadan can’t stay on the same date for nearly 32 years because the Islamic lunar calendar takes almost 10 days less than the Gregorian.
Muslims fast during Ramadan from sunrise (Fajr) to sunset (Maghreb). Two main meals are served during Ramadan: Suhoor (before sunrise) and Iftar (after sunset). It’s one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all Muslims who can fast. Ramadan, in addition to fasting, is a month for self-discipline, reflection, and the creation of positive spiritual habits.
Ramadan is when restaurants are open, but public eating and drinking are not allowed.
Ramadan is a month for worship. Many Muslims spend Ramadan reading the Quran and offering additional prayers, such as the Taraweeh (after the Isha prayer) and Tahajud (the late night before Fajr prayers). The last 10 days are the most important days of the month for religious practices.
Ramadan lasts for 29 days or 30 days. A moon-sighting committee decides when Ramadan begins and ends. The holy month is shorter and work hours are fewer.
