Rabat – Astronomy centers expect the majority of Muslim countries to announce they will not be able to see the crescent moon on February 17, and therefore will announce Thursday, February 19, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
The International Astronomy Center suggests that the sighting of the crescent on that Tuesday could be either impossible or not feasible for all regions of the Arab world.
The center says many countries are expected to sight the moon on Wednesday, February 18, marking the end of the month of Sha’ban, and therefore Thursday will be the first day of Ramadan. However, some countries could announce Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan.
Astronomers expect Morocco to announce Thursday, February 19, as the first day of Ramadan.
For the center, crescent sighting on Tuesday will likely be impossible according to “all major global criteria,” even using the most advanced astronomical imaging systems.
The center expects crescent sightings will also be available easily with the naked eye in Rabat as well as many other major destinations including Abu Dhabi, Mecca, Cairo, and Amman.
Therefore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also expected to announce Thursday as the first day of Ramadan.
Souks across the globe, including in Morocco, are already bustling with people preparing for Ramadan.
Moroccan markets are displaying a variety of products, like sesame, fresh almonds, and ingredients that Moroccans use to make traditional foods, like sellou or sefouf, chebakia, and others.
Chebakia is a special sweet that Moroccans introduce to the table with the harira soup, stuffed or plain batbout bread, as well as selou, a crunchy and rich sweet made of flour, almonds, sesame, and several other ingredients that will give you a boost to stay full for a long time.
Briouat, whether savory or sweet, is also a special addition to Morocco’s Ramadan iftar.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has assigned relevant authorities to conduct the moon sighting a day or a few days before Ramadan.
During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. After iftar (breaking of the fast),Muslims gear up for Taraweeh, the extra prayers performed after Isha at mosques.
Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the crescent sighting for the month of Shawwal – marking Eid Al Fitr and the end of Ramadan.
