Egypt’s Ramadan Expected to Begin Feb 8 as Astronomers Outline Crescent-Sighting Criteria
Millions of Muslims worldwide are preparing for the arrival of Ramadan 1448 (2027), as attention turns to astronomical calculations to determine the start of the holy month.
Officials at Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics have outlined the expected date of Ramadan’s first day in Egypt, along with the religious and scientific conditions for crescent sighting and the locations designated for observation.
In exclusive remarks to Al Arabiya.net and Al-Hadath.net, Dr. Bassam Naboulsi, head of the institute, said determining the beginnings of Hijri months through sighting and calculation is essential for regulating the timing of fasting, Hajj, and Zakat.
He explained that the lunar calendar is the reason Ramadan moves through different seasons over the years. Rather than remaining fixed at one time of year, the holy month passes through all seasons—a cycle he described as carrying deep spiritual significance and reflecting the wisdom of Islamic law in preserving sacred times. He cited the Quranic verse: “Indeed, the postponement [of a sacred month] is an increase in disbelief.”
3 Conditions for Sighting
Dr. Naboulsi identified three key astronomical conditions for the start of a lunar month: the crescent must be born after conjunction—the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth on a single axis before sunset on the day of sighting; it must be fully above the horizon at sunset; and the moon must set after the sun.
He confirmed that Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta works with the Institute of Astronomical Research to form specialized committees to sight the crescent in seven key locations: Helwan, al-Qatamiya, October, Sallum, Qena, Aswan, and the oases.
Each committee includes representatives from the institute, Dar al-Ifta, mosque imams, and the Egyptian Survey Authority, combining accurate visual observation with reliable astronomical calculations.
Strict Observation Standards
Dr. Mohamed Gharib, a professor at the institute’s Sun and Space Research Department, said observation sites must meet strict requirements, including distance from urban areas and artificial lighting, elevation above sea level, and an unobstructed western horizon free of hills or light pollution.
Committee members, he added, must meet the qualifications of a credible witness, including physical, mental, and visual fitness, piety, and knowledge of the timing, location, and appearance of the crescent.
Dr. Gharib said the Ramadan crescent will be born immediately after conjunction at 5:57 p.m. Cairo local time on Saturday, 29 Shaaban, corresponding to February 6, 2027.
He explained that the crescent will not yet have been born at sunset on the day of sighting in most Arab and Islamic capitals and observation committees. The moon will set six minutes before sunset in Makkah and Cairo, and between five and seven minutes earlier in the rest of Egypt’s governorates.
In Arab and Islamic capitals, the moon will set between two and 12 minutes before sunset, except in Marrakesh, Fez, and Lagos, where it will set at the same time as the sun, and in Dakar and Nouakchott, where it will set two minutes after sunset.
Based on these calculations, Sunday, February 7, 2027, will complete the month of Shaaban, making Monday, February 8, 2027, the astronomically expected first day of Ramadan.
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