As it is difficult to mention the exact dates of Islamic holidays in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar, the Muslim’s most awaited month of Ramadan is expected to start on Wednesday, 11th August 2010, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Astronomy Researcher and Supervisor of Sharjah Planetarium. This means that the prayers of Eid El Fitr will fall on Friday, September 10, 2010.
The Astronomer said that the moon of the holy month of Ramadan will be astronomically born on Tuesday, 10th August, at 7:00 am (UAE) time) and expected to appear after sun set on the same day and Wednesday being the first day of Saum (Fasting)
’’The crescent moon of Shawwal will be born on Wednesday 8th September, at 2:30 am local time and sink down 14 minutes before sun set.
’’It’s impossible to sight the crescent by naked eye at that day and therefore Friday (10th September) will be the first day of Shawwal,’’ he said according to Dubai City Guide.
Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.
