Ramadan 2027 (1448 AH) arrives with a pair of astronomical events worth noting: an annular solar eclipse on 6 February 2027, just days before the month begins, and a penumbral lunar eclipse on the night of 20 to 21 February 2027, visible across the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, and Europe.
Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting. Neither eclipse disrupts fasting schedules or daily prayers. The lunar eclipse, however, offers a memorable mid-Ramadan sky event for observers across the region.
Here’s a clear guide to both eclipses: when they happen, where to see them, what they mean, and what to expect.
Eclipse Dates and Visibility for Ramadan 2027
Two eclipses fall in or around Ramadan 2027. The dates and details below are drawn from NASA’s eclipse calculations and EclipseWise.
Annular Solar Eclipse: 6 February 2027
An annular solar eclipse will occur on Saturday, 6 February 2027. In an annular eclipse, the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun but does not fully cover it, leaving a bright “ring of fire” around its edge.
The path of annularity crosses Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, with a partial eclipse visible across much of South America, western Africa, parts of southern Europe, and Antarctica.
This eclipse is not visible from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, or Malaysia. For viewers in the Gulf, the solar eclipse worth marking on the calendar is the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027, which crosses Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen on its path of totality, with partial visibility across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: 20 to 21 February 2027
A penumbral lunar eclipse will take place on the night of Saturday, 20 February to Sunday, 21 February 2027. This is the eclipse visible across the region during Ramadan.
At its peak, around 23:13 GMT on 20 February, roughly 93 per cent of the Moon will pass through Earth’s penumbral shadow, causing a faint dimming across the lunar surface. A penumbral eclipse is subtler than a total or partial lunar eclipse; the effect is a soft shadow rather than a dramatic reddening of the Moon.
The eclipse is visible across all of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and parts of East Asia and western Australia. For GCC viewers, it peaks in the early hours of 21 February local time.
Which Eclipse Actually Falls Within Ramadan?
The timing matters. Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, in Saudi Arabia and most countries following astronomical calculations. The official start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of 7 February.
| Eclipse | Gregorian Date | Hijri Date (approx.) | Falls in Ramadan? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annular Solar Eclipse | 6 February 2027 | 29 Shaban 1448 AH | No — falls just before Ramadan begins |
| Penumbral Lunar Eclipse | 20–21 February 2027 | 13–14 Ramadan 1448 AH | Yes — falls mid-Ramadan |
So while both events sit close together, only the lunar eclipse on 20–21 February 2027 technically takes place during Ramadan. The solar eclipse occurs on the final day of Shaban, the month immediately before Ramadan.
When and Where to See the Lunar Eclipse
The penumbral lunar eclipse on the night of 20–21 February 2027 is the main viewing opportunity across the region. It’s observable with the naked eye, but the dimming is subtle, so pick a location away from bright city lights for the clearest view.
Approximate Local Timings
The eclipse begins at around 21:12 GMT on 20 February and ends at around 01:13 GMT on 21 February. Here’s roughly when the peak occurs in key cities:
| City | Local Time Zone | Peak Eclipse (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | GMT+3 | 02:13 on 21 Feb |
| Dubai | GMT+4 | 03:13 on 21 Feb |
| Cairo | GMT+2 | 01:13 on 21 Feb |
| Istanbul | GMT+3 | 02:13 on 21 Feb |
| Karachi | GMT+5 | 04:13 on 21 Feb |
| Delhi | GMT+5:30 | 04:43 on 21 Feb |
| Jakarta | GMT+7 | 06:13 on 21 Feb (Moon setting) |
Dark-Sky Viewing Spots in the GCC
Penumbral eclipses are subtle, so distance from city light pollution makes a real difference. If you’re within driving range of a major GCC city, these spots are worth the late-night trip:
- Edge of the World, Saudi Arabia. About 90 kilometres from Riyadh, with dramatic cliffs and near-total darkness.
- Al Qudra and Al Marmoom, UAE. Desert conservation areas within an hour of Dubai, popular with astronomy groups.
- Liwa and the Empty Quarter, UAE. The dune fields beyond Abu Dhabi offer some of the region’s clearest night skies.
- Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE’s highest peak, with cooler air and low light pollution.
- Sealine and Khor Al Adaid, Qatar. The desert stretches south of Doha with unobstructed horizons.
- Wahiba Sands, Oman. Vast, dark, and easily reached from Muscat.
Viewing Tips
- Arrive early. Give your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness before the peak.
- Use binoculars. The shadow gradient across the Moon becomes clearer with even basic optics.
- Check the weather. February in the Gulf is usually clear, but coastal humidity and fog can affect visibility.
- Dress warmly. Desert nights in February can drop to single digits.
No special filters or eye protection are needed. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye.
What Eclipses Mean in Islamic Tradition
Eclipses are regarded as signs of Allah’s power, not omens or warnings tied to the lives of individuals. According to Sahih al-Bukhari, a solar eclipse occurred on the day the Prophet ï·º’s young son Ibrahim passed away.
When people began linking the eclipse to death, the Prophet ï·º corrected them, stating that eclipses are not caused by the birth or death of anyone. Eclipses, in this view, are natural phenomena reflecting the greatness of creation, not signs of fortune or misfortune.
The Eclipse Prayer
A special prayer is encouraged during an eclipse, known as Salat al-Kusuf for a solar eclipse and Salat al-Khusoof for a lunar eclipse. It is a confirmed Sunnah and is typically led in congregation at the local mosque when an eclipse is visible.
Alongside the prayer, remembrance, supplication, and charity are also encouraged. For a detailed guide on how the prayer is performed, consult a local imam or a trusted resource such as Islam Question and Answer.
Does the Eclipse Affect Fasting or Ramadan Prayers?
No. The eclipse has no effect on fasting, Sehri, Iftar, or any of the obligatory prayers. Ramadan 2027 continues exactly as normal, and Taraweeh and Isha proceed at their usual times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the solar eclipse on 6 February 2027 visible in Saudi Arabia or the UAE?
No. The annular solar eclipse on 6 February 2027 is visible only in South America, the South Atlantic, parts of western Africa, and Antarctica. It cannot be seen from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or any GCC country.
Do I need eye protection to view the lunar eclipse?
No. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. Unlike solar eclipses, no special filters or protective glasses are needed.
Will the eclipse affect my fast during Ramadan?
No. The eclipse has no impact on fasting, Sehri, Iftar, or any daily prayer. Ramadan continues exactly as normal.
When is the next solar eclipse visible from the Middle East?
A total solar eclipse crosses the Middle East on 2 August 2027, with the path of totality passing through parts of Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, and partial visibility across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
What is a penumbral lunar eclipse exactly?
A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the outer part of Earth’s shadow (the penumbra), causing a soft, subtle dimming rather than the dramatic darkening seen in a total lunar eclipse. The effect is gentle but noticeable to attentive observers.
Sources
- NASA Eclipse Website — Annular Solar Eclipse of 6 February 2027
- EclipseWise — Eclipses During 2027
- Time and Date — Penumbral Lunar Eclipse of 20–21 February 2027
- Time and Date — Annular Solar Eclipse of 6 February 2027
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1043 — On Eclipses
- Islam Question and Answer — Salat al-Kusuf Explained
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