JAKARTA - Muslims in Singapore will start fasting on Thursday, February 19, said the Mufti of Singapore Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, as reported by The Straits Times, Wednesday (18/2).
The Mufti explained that astronomical calculations showed that the crescent moon (hilal) was not visible at sunset on February 17, because the moon set four minutes faster than the sun.
Thus, February 18 is the end of the month of Syakban which is completed to 30 days, according to the Islamic calendar.
"Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the beginning of Ramadan 1447 H falls on tomorrow, Thursday, February 19," the Mufti said in a statement on February 17, as reported by The Straits Times.
He also congratulated the Muslim community in Singapore for undergoing a blessed Ramadan, and urged Muslims to use this holy month to strengthen faith and piety through prayer, gratitude, and charity.
As in Singapore, the respective governments of the countries announced that Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia also started Ramadan fasting on Thursday, February 19.
Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. In this month, Muslims are required to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk.
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