Getting Ready for Ramadan: Here’s When Rajab 1446 Starts

Rajab, the seventh month of the Hijri lunar calendar, is anticipated to commence on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, based on astronomical calculations. According to Moonsighting.com, the astronomical new moon (conjunction) is on December 30, 2024 (Monday) at 22:27 UT. On December 30, the moon cannot be seen anywhere. On December 31, the moon can be seen in most of the world except Australia and Northern Europe.

In Islamic tradition, Rajab is one of the four sacred months during which warfare is prohibited. It serves as a prelude to Ramadan, the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. Muslims often recite the supplication: “O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan.”

The Hijri calendar is lunar, with months beginning upon the sighting of the new crescent moon. Since the lunar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, the timing of Rajab shifts annually through different seasons.

While astronomical calculations provide estimates for the start of Hijri months, Islamic law emphasizes that the actual beginning is confirmed through the physical sighting of the moon. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed: “Fast when you see it [the new moon] and stop fasting when you see it, and if it is cloudy then complete the month with thirty days.”

This guidance underscores the importance of moon sighting in determining the start and end of Hijri months.

Therefore, while calculations can guide expectations, the commencement of months like Rajab is ultimately confirmed by moon sighting, in adherence to Islamic teachings.

For precise information on the beginning of Rajab 1446 AH in your location, it is advisable to consult local Islamic authorities or moon sighting committees.