Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins today

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 6: Khazi Twaka Ahmed Musliar of Mangaluru and Khazi Ibrahim Musliar Bekal of Udupi have confirmed the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan begins in this region from today as the new moon was sighted. The Khazi of Bhatkal also confirmed the beginning of fasting. The Muslim community in Kerala also begin fasting from today.

In the rest of the country, it is likely to start tomorrow after sighting of the moon this evening. Traditionally, countries announce if their moon-sighting council spots the Ramadan crescent the evening before fasting begins. Muslims follow a lunar calendar and a moon-sighting methodology that can lead to different countries declaring the start of Ramadan a day or two apart.

Millions of Muslims around the world will mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan on Monday, a time marked by intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts. The faithful spend the month of Ramadan in mosques for evening prayers known as “taraweeh,” while free time during the day is often spent reading the Quran and listening to religious lectures.

Each day for the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Even a sip of water, coffee or a cigarette can invalidate one’s fast. There are exceptions to fasting for children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people travelling.