MUSLIMS across the kingdom will fast for almost 400 hours during the holy month of Ramadan, which is likely to begin next week.
Bahraini astronomical researcher Ali Al Hajari said the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on February 18.
He noted that the new moon marking the start of the holy month will be in conjunction with the sun on February 17 at 4.51pm, based on Bahrain’s astronomical calculations.
“By sunset, the moon will be visible above Bahrain’s horizon for just over one minute, and even then it will be very low and partly below the horizon,” Mr Al Hajari told the GDN.
“Because the moon will be extremely close to the sun, it will be impossible to see with the naked eye or with any telescope or observation equipment.
“Therefore, based on astronomical calculations, we can predict that the first day of the holy month of Ramadan will be on February 18.”
According to Mr Al Hajari, Muslims in Bahrain this year will fast for up to 398 hours and 35 minutes, representing about 55 per cent of the month.
As for total iftar time, it is expected to be up to 329 hours and 39 minutes, constituting the remaining 45pc.
This means people in the country will fast for about 13 hours per day on average, which aligns with the GCC average of about 13.5 hours per day.
The fasting duration will increase by about one minute and 25 seconds per day.
In comparison, Muslims in Northern Europe, including Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Finland, may fast for up to 19 hours per day, depending on their location, making these among the longest fasting durations in the world.
As for the shortest time, Muslims in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa, and other southern countries, will typically fast for about 12 hours.
Mr Al Hajari also revealed that Bahrain will celebrate Eid Al Fitr in conjunction with the upcoming spring equinox on March 20, at 5.46pm – meaning Muslims will fast 30 days this year.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to abstain from food, drink, sex and smoking during daylight hours to cleanse their bodies and minds, bringing them closer to God.
Anyone caught eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight faces arrest and prosecution – with sentences of up to a year in jail and BD100 fines.
The GDN reported earlier that the Cabinet, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, doubled Ramadan social security allowances and offered a reprieve in electricity charges for citizens’ primary residences.
HRH Prince Salman directed officials to double financial support for eligible individuals receiving social security and disability allowances in observance of the holy month.
He directed the Social Development Ministry to distribute the financial support before Ramadan to guarantee adequate living standards for citizens, particularly those in low-income groups.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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