Ramadan 2021 Moonsighting Timing in India, Saudi Arabia: Ramadan called Ramzaan in India, is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar for Muslims across the world who observe strict fast starting from dawn to dusk. Muslims eagerly wait for this time of the year when they follow strict self-discipline, and charity is at the heart of the community during this holy month.
Ramadan celebrations were impacted last year because of the pandemic and lockdown forcing people to limit offering prayers from the confines of their homes. With the second wave of the deadly coronavirus disease rearing its ugly head, this year, too, celebrations are likely to be dampened.
What's the importance?
It is believed that the holy month of Ramadan started after the teachings of the Holy Quran were first revealed to Prophet Muhammed. The fasting is observed for 29-30 days from the first sighting of the crescent moon to the other before culminating on Eid-ul-Fitr. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is considered the most auspicious days in the Islamic calendar.
Like other months under the Islamic lunar calendar, the first day of Ramadan is decided upon the sighting of the new moon. The beginning of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority nations is mostly dependant on the testimonies of local moon sighters.
The ninth month in the Islamic calendar is believed to be the holiest when Muslims abstain from drinking, eating or indulging in any immoral acts and avoid anger. During this time people read Quran believing that previous sins will be forgiven.
Every year, the festival starts at least 10 days earlier than the preceding year and the lunar year is shorter than the solar year. Last year, Ramadan commenced on April 23.
On Sunday, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has called on all Muslims to sight the crescent of the holy month of Ramadan on Sha’ban 29, 1442 AH, (April 11, 2021), as per the Gulfnews.
The fasting is observed for 29-30 days from the first sighting of the crescent moon to the other before culminating on Eid-ul-Fitr. The period of fasting is considered the most auspicious days in the Islamic calendar. It helps the community grow spiritually and get closer to Allah.
On the other hand, countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and other South Asian countries are expected to sight the moon on April 12. In case, the new moon is sighted on Monday, then Ramadan will begin from Tuesday (April 13).
According to the astronomical predictions, Ramadan in India is expected to begin on April 12. This means the first fast will either be on April 11 or April 12. Similarly, Eid ul-Fitr will also be celebrated upon sighting of the new moon.
Ramadan 2021 Sunset & Moonrise Time
Delhi (April 12)
Sunset: 18.45
Moonset: 6: 14
Hyderabad
Sunset Today: 18:45
Moonrise Today: 06:14
Lucknow
Sunset Today: 18:28
Moonrise Today: 06:00
Kanpur
Sunset Today: 18:31
Moonrise Today: 06:03