Riyadh: In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan will start on 24th April. It was confirmed after the crescent was sighted in the Kingdom.
Live updates:
1. Ramadan moon sighted in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
2. In Malaysia, Egypt, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan will be 24th April.
2. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State wishes Muslims around the world.
3. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extends greetings.
COVID-19 threat
It may be mentioned that Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across the world are bracing for a bleak month of Ramadan fasting as the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic lingers. Millions are in lockdown due to the outbreak.
Appeal to Muslims
Several countries’ religious authorities, including Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, have ruled that prayers during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr be performed at home.
In India too, many religious and known personalities have appealed to Muslims to follow social distancing norms during the holy month.
WHO guidelines
World Health Organization (WHO) had also issued a set of COVID-19 guidelines for religious practices during the month.
Ramadan in India will start either on 25th or 26th April.