Saudi Arabia has announced Tuesday, April 13th, 2021, as the first day of Ramadan Fast.
The moon-sighting committee said that the crescent moon had not been sighted but the tradition of Islam on the commencement of Ramadan is upheld.
What The Tradition Says
Monday, April 12, will be the last and 30th day of Shaban 1442 Hijri which means, by default, the first day of Ramadan will be on Tuesday.
Sunday marks the 29th day of Shaban, the month before Ramadan according to the Islamic calendar. Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days. The moon sighting determines the duration.
The Status of Makkah Pronouncement
Makkah is the holiest city in Islam. Not only was it the birthplace of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), but also the location where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had his first revelation of the Quran. Because of this, the rest of the Islamic world follows Saudi Arabia’s announcement. UAE also usually follows Saudi Arabia’s announcement.
The Sultanate Directive
Despite the Makkah pronouncement, Nigerian Muslims will have to wait for the directive from the Sultan of Sokoto and Head of the Nigerian Muslim community for the commencement of Ramadan,2021.
A statement from the sultanate on Monday directed Muslims in Nigeria to search for the sighting of the moon for the beginning of Ramadan.
Features of Ramadan
During the period of Ramadan, Muslims are enjoined to engage in spiritual cleansing, more acts of charity and prayers. Continuous reading and understanding of the holy Quran are greatly encouraged. It is compulsory to have an early morning meal and breaking of the fast at sunset.
Ebrahim Al Jarwan, member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and head of Sharjah Planetarium said that the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal will form on May 11, 2021, although it is not expected to be visible until Thursday, May 13, which will mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Eid Al Fitr is a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. The exact date will be determined by the moon-sighting committee.
PIAK/GulfNews Online
