The moon for Ramadan 1437 has not been sighted in South Africa, the Crescent Observers Society announced on Sunday. The first taraweeh prayer will be held on Monday evening and the first day of Ramadan will be on Tuesday.
In making the official announcement on air, new president of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), Shaykh Irfaan Abrahams urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan as a time of deep reflection and to increase charitable efforts.
“We would like to wish the entire Muslim ummah a blessed month of Ramadan. May we rekindle our lives with ibaadat and recitation of the Qu’ran. We would also like to remember those who were with us last Ramadan who have not lived to witness this month again,” he said.
Abrahams also urged parents to teach their children about the significance of this month and to encourage fasting and the recitation of the Holy Quran.
The moon-sighting was conducted around the country in cities such as Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg. UUCSA’s Maulana Ebrahim Bham confirmed the crescent was not sighted.
In Saudi Arabia, Monday will be the first month of Ramadan, the Royal Court announced late on Sunday.
In a statement, the Royal Court said the Supreme Court made the decision after validating reports of sightings of the Ramadan crescent moon.
More than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world will mark the month of Ramadan, during which believers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having marital relations from dawn until sunset.
Ramadan is sacred to Muslims because it was during this month that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
VOC wishes all its staff, clients and listeners a Ramadan Kareem. We make dua that Allah swt accept our efforts. May this Ramadan bring you peace, joy and happiness, Ameen.