Welcoming the crescent...

This is an important week in the year of 2026 because we will see the commencement of the holy month of Ramadhan.
This year we also know the date in advance and will not be waiting for the moon sighting because the astronomers know it cannot be sighted due to certain conditions, but astronomical calculations help them determine the moon's status, and they can declare if it is going to be 29 or 30 days.
Had the wonderful opportunity to meet and interview astronomy expert Yusuf Hamed al Rahby. The office features images of the space and moon, a big screen depicting the positions of the moon and earth and other planets, and a big telescope. The notepad on the table doesn't have phone numbers but degrees of latitude noted down. Subjects that assist him — mathematics and physics.
I was first introduced to Kamal and Hilal. Kamal is the full moon, and Hilal is the thin crescent. And they shape Al Hijri calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the lunar calendar monitors the moon continuously.
I had always wondered about earth years and 365 days and 6 hours, and not to forget the leap years. And here I was learning more about the lunar calendar and how the alignment of the moon and sun and the distance between them are important.
So if you have been so busy with daily life, this is a wonderful opportunity to look up at the celestial beings and feel grounded.
You must have realised at some point in time that while the moon is always 'there,' several factors can make it physically impossible to see from earth. In Oman, at times the moon can be seen during the daytime.
According to experts, the most common reason is the age of the moon. After the conjunction (when the moon is exactly between the earth and the sun), it takes time for the moon to move far enough away to reflect a visible sliver of sunlight.
But here is why the moon often stays hidden — the moon could be too young. If the sun's glare is too high, we might miss the tiny crescent. Clouds and fog can keep it hidden. The tilt of the earth also means that certain latitudes have better viewing angles during different times of the year.
Then, of course, even light pollution can interfere.
It is amazingly wonderful to have the moon as a grounding factor. Maybe it can help us be mindful and keep our minds focused and provide time to unfocus from the daily deeds.
Come the holy month of Ramadhan, and we will see many changes and at the same time seek changes to bring improvements in life.
The month motivates people as they practice the power of will through fasting.
This spiritual exercise fosters self-discipline, patience, and control over desires, essentially training the mind and body to overcome physical, mental, and emotional cravings. And each year, the opportunity arrives.
The companies have already adorned with decorations, and Muscat Municipality has artworks displayed outdoors, making the ambience even more festive. The togetherness of visits and thoughtfulness are here.
It is predominantly a personal soul-searching journey, but it can also make us ponder ways we can improve ourselves individually and collectively. The journey can include learning, developing, giving, and even being better and contributing members of society.
The experts recommend focusing on patience and kindness and avoiding bad habits. How do we know what our bad habits are?
Family members and friends can be our mirrors, but even they might hesitate not to hurt us. We must learn to take constructive criticism to develop ourselves further for our own good.
Wish everyone Ramadhan Mubarak.

Lakshmi Kothaneth The writer is senior editor of Observer