Ayatollah Sistani’s Office Says Thursday Beginning of Ramadan
The office said in a statement that the crescent moon of Ramadan was sighted on Wednesday evening and, therefore, Thursday, March 23, is the first day of the holy month.
It prayed that God will grant the faithful the opportunity to do righteous deeds in the blessed month, al-Sumariya News reported.
According to the Iraq’s Sunni Awqaf Department, too, Thursday marks the start of the fasting month.
In many other Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt, Muslims have started fasting for Ramadan 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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