ABU DHABI, FEB 14 (DNA): An astronomy centre in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has forecast that the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, The National reported.
Most Muslim countries will attempt to observe the new crescent moon on February 28, the International Astronomical Centre (IAC) announced.
IAC Director Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, as per the publication, noted that some countries in the Arab world could see the new moon on February 28.
In case the Ramadan moon is sighted on that date, the holy month will kick off on March 1; however, if authorities cannot see it, then it will begin on March 2.
In Pakistan, the first day of fasting is expected to fall on March 2 as there are high chances that the moon for the holy month of Ramadan will be sighted on March 1.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the new moon will likely be born on the evening of February 28 at 5:45 pm, increasing the chances of the crescent sighting on March 1.
The holy month, celebrated with deep devotion and enthusiasm, will see millions of Pakistanis, along with billions of Muslims worldwide, fasting from dawn until sunset. The duration of the fast will range from 12 to 17 hours, depending on the geographical location.
In Pakistan, as in many other countries, Ramadan is a time of heightened charity and community support, with public food drives and roadside stalls set up to offer meals to those returning home in the evening.
: An astronomy centre in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has forecast that the holy month){kind=link}