Muscat: Oman has officially declared Thursday, February 19, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan after the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening. The announcement came after the country’s traditional moon-sighting process was conducted by the relevant religious authorities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, as the new moon could not be confirmed, authorities decided to complete the current lunar month, paving the way for Ramadan to begin on Thursday. This decision aligns with the Hilal Vision Committee in Japan, which also confirmed that Ramadan would commence on February 19 following their own unsuccessful attempt to verify the crescent moon sighting.
Muslims around the world are now preparing to observe a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. During Ramadan, the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, engage in increased worship, and extend support to the needy. While astronomical forecasts had earlier indicated that Ramadan could begin on February 18 or 19, the official start of the Islamic holy month depends on local crescent moon sightings, which may vary from one country to another.