Mufti Abu Hureyrah Udasan of the Darul Ifta for Maguindanao and Cotabato said Islamic scholars in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore said the crescent moon appeared for about 18 minutes shortly after sunset Sunday. Ramadan 2016 will be observed by 1.6 billion Muslims across the world with prayers, Quran recitations and fasting.
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Through a White House press release, President Barack Obama has wished Muslim Americans a happy Ramadan, which is the month of fasting that is the most important religious holiday of the Islamic faith. It is a holy month for the Muslims during the Ramadan and during it, they won’t eat anything from the dawn to dusk.
For other students like sophomore Fatima Zia, Ramadan brings a different kind of challenge.
Ramadan comes to an end with a major celebration known as Id al-Fitr, the Feast of Fast-Breaking.
Each day’s fast starts before sunrise, and breaks after sunset.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, the sick, travellers and fighters are allowed to delay their fast, but must resume it as soon as they have the chance.
Religious authorities across most of the Middle Eastern countries announced the spotting of the new moon on Sunday evening. Muslims will also pray every night for long periods – referred to as Taraweeh prayers – and will involve longer recitations of the Koran in their local mosque.
What is this holy month of Ramadan actually about?
In an effort to help Canadians unfamiliar with the month of Ramadan to gain a better understanding and appreciation for it, Canadian Muslims have launched the “Fast with a Muslim Friend” campaign. Some experience positive results from fasting, while others find their metabolism takes a beating with the heavy meals at the start and end of the day.
Children are also not expected to fast, although they do occasionally join parents on “half-fasts”.
The fast is considered obligatory for all Muslims over the age of puberty.
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“Ramadan with its daily iftars and sehris is a month long opportunity for people and communities to come together in peace, in a spirit of selflessness, of charity, of compassion, of equality and respect”, read the message. Muslims attend early morning Eid prayers the day after Ramadan. Families usually spend the day picnicking outside.
