The Fatwa Center of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has provided a detailed explanation for why the holy month of Ramadan can sometimes last 29 days and other times 30 days. The center emphasized that the Islamic lunar calendar is based on the moon's movement in the sky, where the first day of a new month is considered the day after the new crescent moon is sighted.

Lunar months last 29 or 30 days, resulting in a year of 354 or 355 days, which is 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. The Fatwa Center stated: "While the days of Gregorian months (except February) are fixed (e.g., March is always 31 days), the duration of lunar months directly depends on a natural phenomenon—the appearance of the new moon. Therefore, it is natural for the blessed month of Ramadan to sometimes be 29 days and sometimes 30 days."

The center added, citing historical sources and hadiths, that the Prophet Muhammad observed the Ramadan fast in Medina for nine years, with the fast lasting 29 days in most of those years and 30 days in a minority. These references underscore the variable duration of Ramadan in Islamic tradition.

It was highlighted that regardless of whether the Ramadan fast lasts 29 or 30 days, it is considered a complete and perfect month of worship. The month's occurrence in 29 days does not diminish its spiritual reward. The Fatwa Center concluded: "Thus, believing Muslims, even if Ramadan is 29 days, achieve perfect reward as if they had fasted for 30 days… The most important thing is to perform worship sincerely and in accordance with Sharia requirements."

It is recalled that after Saudi Arabia declared February 18 as the first day of Ramadan, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan noted that in most countries, February 19 was accepted as the first day of the new month. At that time, scholars from the Fatwa Center pointed out that the Ramadan crescent had not yet been sighted, reflecting regional differences in moon observation practices.

Source: www.gazeta.uz