People living in the UAE and across the Muslim world are expected to witness a rare and interesting event in the year 2039. In that year, Muslims will celebrate Eid three times within the same Gregorian calendar year. This is an unusual occurrence and does not happen often.
Saudi Arabia’s well-known climate and astronomy expert, Dr. Abdullah Al Misnad, explained the reason behind this rare event. He said it happens because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, while the Gregorian calendar follows the solar cycle. The Islamic lunar year is shorter than the Gregorian year by about 11 days.
Because of this difference, Islamic months move forward by around 11 days every year compared to the Gregorian calendar. Over time, this shift causes Islamic events, including Ramadan and the two Eids, to slowly move through all seasons of the year. After several years, this difference becomes large enough to create rare situations like having three Eids in one Gregorian year.
In 2039, the first Eid will fall at the beginning of the year, followed by another Eid later in the same year, and then a third one before the year ends. This means Muslims may celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha in a way that results in three separate Eid days within one calendar year.
Experts say such events highlight the unique nature of the Islamic calendar and its close connection to the moon. While rare, this phenomenon has happened before in history and will happen again in the future.
For many Muslims, 2039 will be a special year filled with extra celebrations, joy, and spiritual significance.
