Ramadan Begins: 2nd Sehri Preparations Underway
The diverse start dates of Ramadan across different countries highlight the importance of moon sighting in determining the start of the holy month, with Muslims preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and charity, and coming together to break their fasts and share meals with family and friends.
As the holy month of Ramadan commences, thousands of Muslims in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are observing fasting and refraining from eating and drinking between dawn and sunset, with special evening prayers and community iftar events gaining popularity.
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad announced that the Ramazan moon was not sighted in Pakistan, and the first day of the holy month will fall on March 2. The federal government confirmed the decision, and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) had earlier stated that the holy month of Ramazan would begin on March 2, citing astronomical models.
In other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours announced that Ramazan would begin on Saturday, while Iraq's top Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said the holy month would begin on Sunday. The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, and different countries have announced different start dates based on their moon sightings.
Observing the Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring believers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex during daylight hours. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, eating two meals - suhoor before dawn and iftar at sunset, with families breaking their fasts together. Mosques are opening their doors for iftars, and community events are bringing together people of diverse faiths to share meals and break fasts.
The month of Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, renewing faith, and giving charity, and it typically lasts 30 days, concluding with Eid-al-Fitr celebrations. As Muslims around the world observe this holy month, they will come together to share meals, pray, and reflect on their faith.
