Ramadan Mubarak! Today declared as first of Ramadan

Crescent moon | Photo: Forbes

Malé, Maldives – It has been declared that today is first day of this year’s Ramadan, in a special ceremony held to sight the moon.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs stated that as trusted astronomical calculations suggest multiple countries, including Maldives would have sighted the moon during sunset, and with reference to the regulations to confirm the sighting of the moon, today is officially the first of Ramadan for the year.

On the occasion, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali conveyed Ramadan greetings to all Maldivians and other Islamic countries. During his speech, he urged Maldivians to make the best of the blessings that this month may bring.

Ramadan is a month where Muslims all around the world observe a fast from sunrise to sunset. The month begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon, and falls in every season during a 33 year cycle, given that the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

On behalf of “The Times of Addu” team, we wish all Muslims observing Ramadan a very happy and blessed month of fasting. Ramadan Mubarak!