Rabat – The Muslim community in India is expected to celebrate the first day of Ramadan on Thursday, March 23.
The Hindustan Times said that countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, and Malaysia will sight the crescent moon on March 22.
“The first fasting day of Ramadan for them will be March 23,” the news outlet said, stressing that if the crescent moon was not sighted, the first day of Ramadan would be from March 24 in India and other South Asian countries.
The majority of Arab states and countries in the Middle East and North Africa region are expected to announce March 23 as the first day of Ramadan.
Saudi Arabia confirmed that the crescent moon sighting will take place on Tuesday. Many other countries are also sighting the moon tomorrow, including Qatar and Egypt, among others.
Astronomy experts worldwide expect Thursday, March 23 as the first day of Ramadan 2023, including in Morocco.
Morocco is expected to sight the crescent moon for Ramadan on Wednesday.
Read Also: The Lowdown on Ramadan for Non-Muslims
Ramadan, one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar, is when Muslims across the world fast for 29 or 30 days from dawn to sunset.
Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan gets them closer to God through prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
Ramadan is mandatory for adult Muslims. People with chronic diseases and other medical conditions are exempted. Elderly people and pregnant women are also exempted from fasting.
Children are only encouraged to fast Ramadan if they reach puberty.
Ramadan is known for its religious atmosphere. Mosques are traditionally crowded during the month as worshippers take the chance to frequent them, especially at night when the special Taraweeh prayers take place.
