The first day of each Islamic lunar month, including Ramadan-the Islamic month of fasting- is determined when the crescent of the moon is visible on the night before.
But there is no need always to wait for the night before as astronomical calculations can help religious scholars to predict the visibility of the crescent moon and, hence, the beginning of Ramadan.
Muslim scholars in different countries have been working to figure out the exact date of the start of Ramadan.
In Lebanon, scholars with the office of the late scholar Allameh Sheikh Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah has announced that Saturday, June 28, will be Ramadan 1.
In Yemen, too, it has been announced that Saturday will mark the first day of the holy month.
The Omani government, however, said it will be Sunday.
In Saudi Arabia, the beginning of Ramadan has not been determined yet but it is predicted to be Sunday.
As for Egypt, the country's Dar al-Ifta (the center that issues Fatwas or religious decrees) is scheduled to announce its conclusion on Friday.
Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a period in which Muslims observe fasting, that is, abstain from food, drink and sensual pleasures from dawn to sunset.
source : abna
