Thursday, First of Ramadan in Most Arab States
Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Egypt have announced Wednesday to the last day of Sha’aban and Thursday the first day of Ramadan, al-Yawm al-Sabi website reported.
People in Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey will also start fasting on the first day of Ramadan tomorrow.
In the UAE, the Ramadan Moon Sighting Committee announced that Ramadan for the Hijri year 1436 will begin on Thursday.
Following the committee’s meeting at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, investigation, application of relevant Sharia laws, and contacts with neighboring countries, Justice Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi said in a statement that Wednesday June 17, 2015 will be the last day of Sha’ban of 1436 Hijri. “Therefore, Thursday, June 18, 2015, will be the first day of Ramadan.”
Saudi Arabia has also announced that the moon was not sighted on Tuesday and, thus, Wednesday could not be the first of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset and focus on prayer, giving to charity, and religious devotion.
