Holy Month of Ramadan

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Ramadan Fast began on March 2
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When is Ramadan?The first day of fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Mecca will be Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the crescent by the moon-sighting committee in Saudi Arabia.Other countries follow their own moon sightings, and the crescent moon was not sighted in Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and several other countries across Asia making the first day of Ramadan March 2.How is the Ramadan moon sighted?Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. For the moon to be visible, the crescent must set after the sun. Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon on the 29th night of each month. If the new moon is not visible, the month lasts 30 days.

Why is Ramadan holy?Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. Throughout the month, observing Muslims fast from just before the sunrise prayer, Fajr, to the sunset prayer, Maghrib. The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.What are the five pillars of Islam?Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially capable. In many Muslim-majority countries, working hours are reduced, and most restaurants are closed during the fasting hours.

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