Jumada al-Ula 1446 Begins November 4th, 2024
The Moroccan Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has announced that the first day of Jumada al-Ula, the fifth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, for the year 1446 AH will correspond to Monday, November 4th, 2024.
This announcement follows the ministry-of-endowments-announces-beginning-rabi-al-thani-1446-ah/” title=”Morocco Announces Start of Rabi' al-Thani 1446 AH”>traditional sighting of the new moon crescent, a practice rooted in centuries of Islamic tradition. On Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, corresponding to the 29th of Rabi’ al-Thani 1446 AH, representatives of the Ministry, along with units of the Royal Armed Forces, diligently observed the sky after sunset. However, the new moon was not sighted.
Because the lunar month can be either 29 or 30 days depending on the visibility of the crescent moon, Rabi’ al-Thani was completed with 30 days, leading to the commencement of Jumada al-Ula on the following day. This method of lunar observation is common practice in many Muslim-majority countries and underscores the importance of astronomical events in the Islamic faith. Similar practices are used to determine the start and end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. You can learn more about the Islamic calendar and its astronomical basis on resources like Islamicity or Time and Date.
The Ministry released an official statement confirming these details and extending blessings to King Mohammed VI, the Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and the entire Royal Family. The statement also offered well wishes for prosperity and progress to the Moroccan people and the broader Muslim community worldwide. The announcement of the new Islamic month is often a time of reflection and renewed spiritual focus for many Muslims.
The beginning of Jumada al-Ula marks another cycle in the Islamic lunar calendar, a system used for religious observances and cultural events. While the Gregorian calendar, based on the solar year, is used for most official purposes in Morocco, the Hijri calendar, based on lunar cycles, remains deeply significant for religious practices. This dual calendar system reflects the interplay of tradition and modernity in Moroccan society. For more information on the cultural significance of Islamic months, you can explore resources like Wikipedia.
