Below is some basic astronomical Information about the observations of the crescent of Ramadhan 1445 AH for the city of Sharjah.

The numbers may be different, but the conclusion is the same for almost all Muslim countries from the far East to the far West.

	Sunday Mar. 10, 2024	Monday Mar. 11, 2024
	Sun/Moon Data	Sun/Moon Data
New Moon	1:00 pm	--
Sunset (Azimuth)	6:24 pm (2660)	6:25 pm(2670)
Moonset (Azimuth)	6:34 pm (2650)	7:42 pm (2740)
Moon’s Altitude	1.80	18.70
Moon’s Illumination (%)	0.11+	2.29+
Lag Time (Minutes)	10	77
Age (Hrs, Min)	5h 24min	29 h 25min

 

 

On March 10, 2024, an unusual celestial phenomenon will challenge the traditional methods of determining the beginning of Ramadhan 1445 AH. The simulation above shows a unique set of circumstances with the crescent Moon at an exceptionally young age and positioned at a remarkably low elevation during sunset. So when does Ramadhan 14445 AH start? Two situations:

For those countries that follow the simple criterion that New Moon has occurred before the sunset of Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024, for them, the Moon will have passed its new moon phase, suggesting that Ramadhan 1445 AH should commence on. 

However, for those who prioritize the actual visibility of the crescent, the situation presents a conundrum. The crescent Moon is so low on the horizon at the time of sunset on Sunday, March 10, that its true visibility () becomes impossible. Consequently, adherents relying on authentic crescent sighting criteria may find themselves anticipating the commencement of Ramadhan on , underscoring the nuanced and intricate nature of lunar observation in determining significant religious events.