Ramadan to begin 11 March in Egypt, last 30 days: Astronomy institute
The Islamic holy month of fasting, Ramadan, will begin on 11 March in Egypt and last for 30 days, said Gad El-Qadi, head of the Cairo-based National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG).
File Photo: An Egyptian woman walks in front of Ramadan traditional lanterns at a shop ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Photo: AP
“According to [astronomical] calculations, Ramadan will end on 9 April,” he added, noting the crescent will be sighted on 10 March, or 29 Shaaban, according to the Hijri calendar.
However, Dar El-Iftaa has the final say on the day Ramadan begins in Egypt, based on observations of the crescent moon. Dar El-Iftaa is the main authority responsible for issuing religious edicts.
The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is based on the movement of the moon. The beginning of each month is marked by the birth of a new moon seen for the first time.
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