Hyderabad/New Delhi, 18 February : The holy month of Ramzan will begin in India on Thursday after the crescent moon marking the start of the fasting period was sighted in various parts of the country on Wednesday.
Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Fatehpuri mosque Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed announced the sighting, while Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari also confirmed it. In Hyderabad, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Sadar Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Deccan declared that the first day of fasting will be observed on February 19 following its meeting held in the evening.
Mosques across the country have begun preparations for special nightly prayers, and business establishments and restaurants in Hyderabad and other cities are making arrangements for the month. Authorities had earlier requested people who sighted the moon to inform the committee through designated contact numbers before the formal announcement.
Globally, the start of Ramzan varies by region depending on moon sighting. The holy month has already begun in Saudi Arabia and some Middle East countries, while in New Zealand it will commence on Friday.
During Ramzan, Muslims observe fasts from dawn to dusk for nearly 30 days. The fast is typically broken at sunset with dates and water followed by the evening meal known as Iftar, and a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor is taken before the start of the fast. Special Taraweeh prayers are offered in mosques every night until the sighting of the Eid moon, marking the end of the month.
