Holy Month of Ramadan begins on Monday

Dubai, 30 July 2011, 10:51 PM The committee to sight the crescent moon for the Holy Month of Ramadan, on Saturday evening announced the first day of Ramadan will be on Monday, August 1.

According to the committee, the moon was not sighted on Saturday, therefore as per the calendar fasting will begin on Monday.

The committee for the current Hijri year 1432 was set up July 20 under a ministerial decree issued by Justice Dr Hadif Jua'an Al Dhaheri who chairs the panel.

The committee met after Maghreb prayers on Saturday. Other committee members include senior officials from Awqaf (Endowments), judiciary, members of astronomical society and religious counselors.

"Tomorrow (July 31, Sunday) will be the 30th of Sha'aban and that Monday (August 1)will be the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan," Al Dhaheri announced in an official statement.