Brunei, Singapore, Australia to start fasting on Thursday

The first day of Ramadan in the Southeast Asian country of Singapore has been set for Thursday (February 19). The decision was made according to astronomical and religious calculations after the moon was not sighted on Tuesday (February 17) evening. As per the instructions of the Islamic Religious Council, Muslims in Singapore will start fasting and Taraweeh from that day.

On the other hand, Brunei said that the Ramadan moon was not sighted in the country on Tuesday (February 17) evening. In an announcement made on state radio and television, the country's Sharia High Court Judge Yang Arif Awang Haji Hassan bin Haji Metali said that fasting will start in Brunei from Thursday, February 19. This decision was made following the traditional moon-sighting process under the supervision of the country's astronomical authority.

Traditional moon-sighting processes are underway in various countries of the world to determine the schedule of this year's Ramadan. According to astronomers, Ramadan is likely to start on February 18 in some places and February 19 in others. However, due to differences in moon sightings across countries, the start date of Ramadan varies.

Australia has also announced that Ramadan will begin in the country on Thursday, February 19. This decision has been taken based on observations by astronomical and Islamic authorities.

Although the moon was sighted on the last day of Shaban in the United Arab Emirates, the final announcement about the sighting of the Ramadan moon will come after official observations. As a result, devout Muslims are waiting to confirm the start date of Ramadan in the country.

Source: Gulf News