Ramadan Mubarak

The rush before Ramadan begins is almost a ritual in itself. Last minute errands, a quick dash to the market, and the pressure to have everything ready before the first fast. In our local community, the anticipation is palpable, and like many others, I was out and about, ticking off the final to-do list.

Stocking up on essentials for tomorrow's fast was the priority. Some extra groceries too, because once I begin fasting, I have no energy left for outside chores. As I moved from one aisle to another, my heart silently whispered prayers, hoping I’d find everything in time. But in the chaos, Maghrib prayer, unfortunately, was missed. With a hurried pace, I picked up the last few things, checked them out at the counter, only to find the fruit shop already closed. Oh well, tomorrow morning then.

My mind was a whirlwind of tasks and thoughts as I made my way to the pharmacy for some over-the-counter medicines. Another worry crept in—what if my frozen items melted before I got home? The air still carries a hint of winter’s chill, but March has already begun.

And then, just as I turned the corner, there it was. The Ramadan crescent, glowing beautifully in the night sky. I pulled over to the side. It was a quiet road, so I took a moment to soak in its mesmerizing presence. There’s something undeniably special about the first sighting of the Ramadan moon. It feels like a silent message of hope and renewal.

_{crescent (1st Ramadan) captured from a moving vehicle}

Then reality hit. Frozen groceries, medicines, and of course, the missed prayer. In a hurry, I snapped a few pictures from my moving car, and suddenly, a conversation with moecki came to mind. He once mentioned how the moon’s appearance differs depending on where you are on Earth. In Germany, for instance, the crescent may appear more upright, while elsewhere, it might be tilted differently.

The appearance of the crescent moon, whether it looks like it's lying on its side in the southern hemisphere or standing upright in the northern hemisphere, depends on the observer's latitude and the angle of the moon's orbit relative to the horizon.
_Sr

Pakistan is in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, while Germany is entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. Their differences in altitude and longitude may affect the apparent shape of the crescent. Is this the case, @moecki?

Fascinating, isn’t it?

But for now, back to the present moment.

To everyone celebrating, observing fasts, and embracing the spirit of Ramadan, I wish you a blessed and fulfilling month. Please keep me and my family in your prayers, and may we all strive to be better Muslims and better human beings during this holy time.

Ramadan Mubarak!

The Eve of 1st Ramadan: March 1, 2025 | 1446 AH

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_{Adding the following edit for clarity for those who may not understand the connection between the moon (crescent sighting) and the commencement of Ramadan.}

_{The sighting of the new moon marks the start of Ramadan. Hence, making dua for it holds a high significance. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite this dua when looking for the new moon:}

_{Allahumma ahillahu ‘alaina bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-Allah, Hilalu rushdin wa khairin}

اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ علَيْنَا بِالأَمْنِ والإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلامَةِ والإِسْلامِ، رَبِّي ورَبُّكَ اللَّه، هِلالُ رُشْدٍ وخَيْرٍ

_{“O Allah, let this moon appear on us with security and Iman; with safety and Islam. (O moon!) Your Lord and mine is Allah. May this moon be bringing guidance and good.” ~ Tirmidhi sr}