A very unique astronomical event is going to happen in the year 2030, which will have a direct impact on Muslims around the world and especially the people living in Gulf countries. According to reports, the holy month of Ramadan will come not once but twice in the Gregorian year (English year) of 2030. Such a coincidence is happening after about 33 years, when due to the difference between the lunar calendar and the solar calendar, fasts will be observed twice in the same year. Earlier this happened in the year 1997 and now it is going to happen again in 2030.
Two Ramadans will start on these dates in 2030
According to astronomers and experts, in 2030, Ramadan will start at the very beginning of the year and then again at the end of the year. This will be part of the years 1451 and 1452 of the Hijri calendar. Take a look at the possible dates below:
First Ramadan: It will start around January 5, 2030 and will last for 30 days. Its Eid (Eid-ul-Fitr) will be celebrated around 4 February 2030.
Second Ramadan: By the end of the year, i.e. on 26 December 2030, the month of Ramadan will start again.
Total fasts: This year Muslims will have to fast for a total of 36 days. 30 days in January and about 5-6 days at the end of December.
Why is this happening and what is the reason?
Experts from Dubai Astronomy Group and Emirates Astronomy Society have said that this is not a miracle but the mathematics of the calendar. The Islamic Hijri calendar is based on the moon, with a year of 354 days. At the same time, the English calendar (Gregorian) is based on the sun and has 365 days.
Every year Ramadan shifts by about 10 to 12 days from the English calendar. Due to this shift, a 33-year cycle is formed when Ramadan comes twice a year. Experts say that this is a natural cycle and after this this coincidence will occur again in 2063. However, the exact date of both Ramadans will depend on Moon Sighting.
What will be the impact on Indians living in Gulf?
Millions of Indians work in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman. In these countries, working hours in government and private sectors are reduced during Ramadan. Generally there is a relaxation of 2 hours from duty. If the current rules remain in place in 2030, workers in the Gulf will benefit from reduced working hours twice in the same year. This rule will have a direct impact on the lifestyle of the migrants there.