Many Muslim Countries Announce Thursday as First Day of Ramadan
The supreme court of Saudi Arabia said that because the crescent moon of Ramadan was not sighted on Tuesday evening, Wednesday is the last day of the lunar Hijri month of Shaban and Ramadan will begin on the following day.
The Istihlal (moon-sighting) Committee in Qatar also decorated Thursday as the first day of Ramadan, Al Jazeera reported.
Authorities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates also said that the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening and, therefore, Wednesday is the last day of Shaaban.
According to the Iraq’s Sunni Awqaf Department, too, Thursday will mark the start of the fasting month.
Syria’s official news agency SANA quoted the Fiqh Council of the Arab country’s Awqaf Ministry that if the crescent moon is sighted on Wednesday evening, Thursday will be the first day of Ramadan.
Lebanon, Iran, Sudan and Egypt are among other Muslim countries in the Middle East where Muslims will start fasting on Thursday.
Ramadan (which is likely to start on Thursday) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity giving and self–accountability for Muslims around the world.
The Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) heart in this month.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast (abstain from foods and drinks) from sunrise to sunset.
They also devote a considerable amount of time during this month to reading and contemplating the Quran.
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