RIYADH: Saudi Arabian moon observers said that there was no sight of the Ramadan crescent on Saturday, meaning millions of Muslims around the world will begin the holy month on Monday.
The Islamic world follows a lunar calendar, and the traditional moon-sighting methodology can lead to different countries declaring the start of Ramadan a day or two apart
This year, Ramadan will fall on long summer days for Muslims in the Northern Hemisphere.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five obligatory pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, annual charity – known as “zakat” – and performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Saturday called on Muslims to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.
Mr Abubakar made the call in a statement by Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
Mr Junaidu said “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, May 5, which is equivalent to 29 day of Sha’aban 1440A.H., shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.
“Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan 1440AH on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”
The monarch prayed to Allah to help religious leaders and all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.
He further said the general public could report the sighting of the new moon directly to the Sultan through the following phone numbers;
08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08065480405, 08035965322, 08036149757 and 08035945903.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which the Muslims conduct the compulsory full month fasting. (NAN)
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