The head of the Egyptian National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research, Dr. Gad Al-Qadi, recently made an important announcement regarding the Islamic calendar. According to astronomical calculations conducted by the Institute’s Sun Research Laboratory, the month of Rajab for the current Hijri year 1445 will begin on Saturday, January 13. This month will last for a duration of 29 days, indicating that the beginning of the month of Shaban will fall on February 11, and the start of Ramadan will be on March 11, as per the astronomical calculations.
Dr. Gad Al-Qadi, as reported by the Middle East News Agency, stated that the crescent of the month of Rajab will be visible at 1:59 pm local Cairo time on Thursday, January 11 (sighting day). It is important to note that the crescent moon will set before sunset on the sighting day in Makkah, Cairo, as well as in most Arab and Islamic capitals and cities.
This announcement holds significance for Muslims around the world, as it provides them with valuable information about the upcoming Islamic dates. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, and the sighting of the crescent moon marks the beginning of each month. Therefore, accurate astronomical calculations play a crucial role in determining the dates of important Islamic events and observances.
The month of Rajab holds special significance in the Islamic calendar. It is one of the sacred months, along with Muharram, Safar, and Dhul-Qidah. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of worship and increase their devotion during these months. Rajab also serves as a preparation period for the holy month of Ramadan, which is just a month away. Many Muslims take this opportunity to engage in fasting and spiritual reflection, preparing themselves for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
The announcement by Dr. Gad Al-Qadi provides Muslims with a clear timeline for their religious observances. Knowing the exact dates of the beginning of Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan allows individuals, communities, and Islamic organizations to plan their activities and events accordingly. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and can observe these important occasions in a unified manner.
It is worth mentioning that the calculations provided by the Egyptian National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research are based on scientific methods and data. These calculations take into account various factors, including the position of the moon and its visibility in different regions. By relying on such calculations, Muslims can have confidence in the accuracy of the dates provided.
In conclusion, the announcement made by Dr. Gad Al-Qadi regarding the beginning of the month of Rajab and the upcoming Islamic dates is of great importance to Muslims worldwide. It allows them to plan their religious observances and activities, ensuring a unified and organized approach to these significant events. The accurate astronomical calculations provided by the Egyptian National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research serve as a valuable resource for Muslims seeking to align their practices with the Islamic calendar.
Source: TimesKuwait
