Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs informed experts, astronomers, and delegates that the sighting of the crescent moon of the holy month of Ramadan will take place on Friday, April 1.
The ministry urged experts to inform its departments of the sighting of the crescent using the following numbers:
0537-76-11-45
0537-76-09-32
0537-76-05-49
0537-76-89-54
Many countries will sight the crescent tomorrow, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Several Moroccan astronomers expected that the holy month of Ramadan will start on Sunday, April 3 in Morocco.
Last week, Abdelhafid Bani, President of the Association Astronomy of Rabat said that April 3 will be the first day of Ramadan in Morocco.
Sighting the crescent moon, he said, will not be possible by the naked eye on Friday.
“Accordingly, and based on astronomical calculation, Sha’ban will last 30 days,” Bani emphasized, stressing that observing the crescent moon will only be possible on the last day of Sha’ban.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It lasts 29 or 30 days.
During the holy month, Muslims all over the world dedicate their time to be closer to God through prayers, self-restraint, and good deeds.
While fasting, Muslims abstain from drinking liquids, smoking, or engaging in any sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
Chewing gums or taking any medication are also prohibited from dawn to sunset during fasting hours.
Only people with chronic medical diseases or illnesses that need to take pills are exempted from fasting.
Children who have not reached puberty are also excepted from fasting.
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