G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is observed by nearly two billion Muslims worldwide. While its significance remains the same for all followers, the exact start date can vary from country to country and even within different regions of the same nation. This variation occurs due to differences in moon sighting methods, geographical locations, and religious traditions. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, and Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of the ninth month. However, because the visibility of the moon depends on atmospheric conditions, time zones, and regional interpretations, the official start date may differ across the globe.
In some countries, religious authorities rely on direct visual confirmation of the crescent moon. This means that moon-sighting committees or designated observers must physically see the crescent before Ramadan is declared. If the sky is cloudy or the moon is not visible, the start of Ramadan is delayed by a day. Other countries, such as Turkey, follow astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of the month in advance, ensuring a uniform observance. Both methods are considered valid in Islamic teachings, but differences in approach often lead to variations in start dates.
Another factor contributing to these variations is the lack of a central religious authority in Islam. Unlike some other religions with hierarchical leadership, Islam is decentralized, meaning different communities and scholars may interpret moon sightings independently. For example, Sunni and Shia communities may follow different traditions, leading to a one-day difference in the start of Ramadan. Additionally, cultural pride and local customs can influence when certain groups choose to begin their fast, sometimes differing even within the same city.
Global geography and time zones further impact Ramadan’s start date. Since the moon appears in different positions at sunset across various regions, countries in the East, such as Indonesia, may start Ramadan a day later than those in the Middle East. The curvature of the Earth and the timing of sunset play crucial roles in how early or late the crescent moon becomes visible. In some cases, Muslim communities in Western nations choose to follow the lunar calendar of their home countries rather than their current location, aligning their observance with family and religious traditions overseas.
The Islamic calendar itself also influences the shifting start dates of Ramadan each year. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows a solar cycle of 365 days, the Islamic lunar calendar consists of 354 or 355 days. This means that Ramadan moves back by approximately 10 to 12 days each year in the Gregorian system, completing a full cycle every 33 years. As a result, Ramadan can occur in different seasons, affecting the fasting experience based on daylight hours. In equatorial regions, fasting remains relatively stable, with about 12 hours of daylight. However, in northern and southern latitudes, fasting durations can be significantly longer in summer and shorter in winter.
Despite these differences, Ramadan remains a unifying period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and communal worship. Families and communities come together to break their fast with traditional foods and evening prayers, fostering a sense of belonging and renewal. While the exact start date may vary, the essence of Ramadan—fasting, prayer, and charity—remains the same for all Muslims, reinforcing the shared values that define this sacred month.
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