Monday or Tuesday? Muslim Countries Announce the First Day of Ramadan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has determined that the beginning of Ramadan will fall on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. This decision was announced by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, after holding an isbat session to determine the date of the 1st of Ramadan at the ministry building in Central Jakarta yesterday.

According to the calculation, the position of the crescent moon in Indonesia at the time of the isbat did not meet the new criteria set by MABIMS (the Religious Affairs Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore).

The International Astronomical Center said on its website that Ramadan is likely to fall on Monday because the moon sets after sunset in most Muslim countries.

However, the Center said it would be difficult to see the crescent on Sunday, so countries that require the sighting of the crescent to declare the start of Ramadan are likely to declare Tuesday, March 12, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Here are the announcements for the first day of Ramadan by a number of countries:

1. Australia

The Australian Fatwa Council said in a statement that the Ramadan crescent would be difficult to see on Sunday, meaning that Monday would be the last day of the month of Shakban.

2. Brunei                                       

Brunei announced that Ramadan begins on Tuesday.

3. Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia and Singapore also announced on Sunday evening that Ramadan would begin on Tuesday.

4. Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been urging its public to watch the skies from Sunday night in preparation for the sighting of the crescent moon. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court and the UAE's Moon Sighting Committee urged citizens to look for the crescent, whose appearance marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

5. Iran               

In Iran, which views itself as the worldwide leader of Shia Muslims, authorities typically begin Ramadan a day after Sunnis start. The office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Ramadan will start on Tuesday there, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

AL ARABIYA | AL JAZEERA

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