Ayatollah Sistani’s Office Issues Statement on Beginning of Ramadan

IQNA – The office of Iraq’s top Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf issued a statement on the start of Ramadan.

According to the statement, the holy month is likely to begin on Tuesday, March 12.

The crescent moon of Ramadan is expected to be observable in Najaf at 6:08 PM on Monday, Mach 11, which is the 29^th day of Shaaban, it said.

The statement also includes the prayer times during the holy month, Middle East New reported.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity giving and self–accountability for Muslims around the world.

The Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) heart in this month.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast (abstain from foods and drinks) from sunrise to sunset.

They also devote a considerable amount of time during this month to reading and contemplating the Quran.

Some religious scholars rely on astronomical calculations to determine the beginning of lunar months while most of them believe visual sighting of the moon should be used in this case.

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