Understanding the Timing of Ramadan in 2020
Every year, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, bringing about the holy month of Ramadan in a unique manner. In 2020, Ramadan began with the sighting of the new moon on Thursday, April 2nd. This variation in the starting date underscores the importance of the lunar cycle in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Regional Synchronization and Timing
In many countries, the exact date of Ramadan's beginning is determined through the sighting of the new moon, also known as Rooyat-e-Hilaal in Urdu. This practice varies slightly depending on the country and the moon's cycle.
Pakistan
The start of Ramadan in Pakistan is scheduled for April 3rd, 2020, if the Shabana (the night before Ramadan) has 29 days. Should it have 30 days, the first day of fasting will be on April 4th. This synchronization ensures that Muslims worldwide can begin their observance on the exact day.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan's commencement is similarly influenced by the moon's cycle. If Shabana has 29 days, the first day of Ramadan will be on April 2nd, 2020. However, if it has 30 days, the fasting will begin on April 3rd. This variation must be respected to maintain religious observance.
The Astronomical Perspective
For precision, the start of Ramadan is marked astronomically as well. On April 23, 2020, at approximately 2:27 Universal Time, the Astronomical New Moon was observed. This ensures that the beginning of the month is not merely a subjective sighting but also based on scientific calculations, albeit not as the sole method of determination.
First Day of Fasting: Friday, April 24
Since the Astronomical New Moon ensures that the moon is at least 5 degrees above the sun and the elongation is at least 8 degrees at sunset, the first day of Ramadan began on Friday, April 24, 2020. This date is in harmony with the legal (Shariah) determination of Rooyat-e-Hilaal.
Eidul-Fitr in 2020
The end of Ramadan, marked by Eidul-Fitr, will be on May 24, 2020, according to the latest calculations. The Astronomical New Moon on May 22, 2020, does not satisfy the conditions for marking the start of the month of Shawwal. Therefore, the first day of Shawwal and Eidul-Fitr will be on May 24, 2020.
Conclusion
The exact timing of Ramadan is crucial for Muslims around the world. While some countries rely solely on Rooyat-e-Hilaal and the sighting of the new moon, others use both the moon sighting and the astronomical events. The acceptance of astronomical calculations under Rooyat-e-Hilaal, although not the sole method, ensures a broader synchronization in the observance of Ramadan across different regions.