Ramadhan will occur twice in 2030, first in January and then again in late December in the same year, astronomers have predicted.
This phenomenon, according to Saudi astronomer Khaled al Zaqaq, is because the Islamic Hijri calendar is based on lunar cycles, while the Gregorian calendar marks the Earth’s passage around the sun.
The twice-yearly observance earlier occurred in 1997 and after 2030, it is due to happen again in 2063.
The disparity between the two calendars means that Ramadhan will fall twice in one Gregorian year roughly every 30 years, the astronomer said in a video posted on his Twitter account.
“The fasting month will fall twice that year, first in January and then again in late December”, he said.
In the year 1451 AH (Anno Hegirae), Ramadhan will begin on January 5, 2030, and in the year 1452 AH it begins on December 26, 2030, and this means that fasting will be for 36 days in the year 2030.
@samkuttyvp
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
