Muslims to observe 36 rozas in 2030

Muslims around the world are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramzan for the year 1446 Hijri, which, based on astronomical calculations, is expected to begin on March 1, 2025, in most countries. But have you ever considered the possibility of fasting for Ramzan twice in the same year?

Interestingly, this rare event is set to occur in 2030. It happens approximately every 33 years, resulting from differences between the Islamic (Hijri) and Gregorian calendars.

According to astronomical calculations, the world will observe Ramzan twice in 2030. The first Ramzan will begin on January 4, 2030 (corresponding to 1451 Hijri), while the second will start on December 26, 2030 (corresponding to 1452 Hijri). This means Muslims worldwide will observe a total of 36 fasts that year.

The Hijri calendar follows the lunar cycle, with months beginning based on the sighting of the new moon. As a result, a Hijri year consists of either 354 or 355 days, making it about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth’s revolution around the sun, with each year lasting approximately 365 or 366 days. Due to this difference, every 33 years, the two calendars align in a way that results in two Ramzans occurring within the same Gregorian year.

The last time this extraordinary event took place was in 1997. After 2030, it is expected to happen again in 2063.

Such occurrences serve as a fascinating reminder of the intricate workings of astronomical and calendrical systems. For Muslims worldwide, it presents a unique spiritual opportunity, allowing them to observe an additional Ramzan within the same Gregorian year—an event that happens only once in a lifetime for most people.

As for 2025, according to a report by Al Arabiya Net, the moon sighting for Ramzan is expected on Friday, February 28, 2025. The International Astronomical Center confirms that the crescent moon will be visible in various locations across the globe.