The religious authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with other Middle East countries, will announce their decision on sighting of the Ramadan moon on Tuesday evening. If the crescent is sighted, fasting in these countries will start from tomorrow.
During the month of Ramadan, also referred to as Ramzan in the Indian subcontinent, fasting is obligatory for believing Muslims. The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
As per the precedent, the month usually begins in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka a day after it starts in the Middle East. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbouring countries today, then it is expected to be sighted in the Indian subcontinent on Wednesday. Accordingly, the fasts in this part of the world will begin from Thursday.
The sighting of Ramadan crescent will also mark the start of Taraweeh prayers in the Middle East from this evening. The prayers, held over the next 27 days, are attended by scores of believers during the month.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two biggest festivals observed by the Islamic world.
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In India, the local Muslim population would await the moon sighting announcements to be made by the Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam in New Delhi, and the main religious seminaries in Lucknow, Kolkata and Mumbai.
In neighbouring Pakistan, attempts to sight the moon will be made today in the westernmost province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Usually, the state begins observing Ramadan a day before the rest of Pakistan. Due to its geographical location, the new moon is often visible in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before other provinces of Pakistan.
The same phenomenon holds true for the southern Indian state of Kerala, which usually starts observing Ramadan a day before the rest of the country.
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