Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries have announced that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan would start on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, announced on Wednesday that it would be the final day of the lunar month of Sha’aban.

Similar official announcements were made by religious authorities in Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen and Palestine.

Report says the beginning and end of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new moon.

“During Ramadan, devout Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to sunset.

“Ramadan this year coincides with the summer heat in the Middle East where the fast could reach 15 hours a day.

“Fasting is one of Islam’s five pillars, alongside declaration of faith, prayer five times a day, alms-giving, and the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia,’’ it said.

…Sultan directs Muslims to commence Ramadan fast today

The Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III on Wednesday announced the sighting of the new month of Ramadan, 1436AH.

Consequently, Abubakar directed the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to commence the Ramadan fast on Thursday, June 18 which is equivalent to the Ramadan 1, 1436 AH.

NAN reports that, the Sultan announced the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan in a broadcast to the Muslim Ummah in Sokoto on Wednesday night.

Abubakar said, various reports for the sighting of the new moon were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country, which were duly verified and authenticated by the National moon sighting committee.

The Sultan implored the Muslim Ummah to devote themselves to worship and offer fervent prayers for the new leadership in Nigeria to succeed in steering the affairs of the country.

Abubakar also called on the Muslims to use the Holy month of Ramadan to re-dedicate themselves to the teachings of Islam and continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal differences.