On February 27, 2024, the Qatar Calendar House revealed that, based on precise astronomical calculations, the blessed month of Ramadan for the year 1445 AH will commence on Monday, March 11, 2024, astronomically determined.
While this announcement provides valuable insight, the official declaration of Ramadan’s start remains under the jurisdiction of the Moon Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
According to Engineer Faisal Al Ansari, Executive Director of the Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex, the crescent of Ramadan is anticipated to appear on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 12:01 pm Doha local time, marking the investigation day. The crescent is expected to set after sunset on the same day, lingering in the Qatari sky for approximately 11 minutes before disappearing, with a longer duration observed in western regions.
It’s essential to recognize that the movement of the moon in its orbit around the Earth determines the commencement and conclusion of the Hijri months, while the Earth’s orbit around the sun dictates the Gregorian calendar’s months.
With the guidance of astronomical calculations and the expertise of specialists, the Qatar Calendar House facilitates the accurate determination of significant Islamic dates, ensuring the community remains informed and prepared for the sacred month of Ramadan.