The supreme authority of the Shiites in Najaf, Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani announced that Thursday is the first day of the month of Ramadan, according to a statement issued by his office on Wednesday, to coincide with the beginning of Ramadan for the first time in years between the Sunni and Shiite sects.
And a statement issued by Al-Sistani’s office, which is imitated by millions of Shiites around the world, especially in Iraq, stated that “it has been confirmed that the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan has been sighted with the naked eye after sunset on Wednesday 29 Sha’ban in several places in Iraq and in some of its neighboring regions.”
And the statement, which was reported by the official Iraqi News Agency, added, “Thus, tomorrow, Thursday, will be the first day of the holy month. We ask God Almighty to grant everyone success in it for the benefit of deeds.”
The Sunni Endowment Office in Iraq announced on Tuesday that Thursday is the first day of Ramadan.
And the office of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced in a statement reported by Fars News Agency, “It has been confirmed that the crescent of the blessed month of Ramadan has been sighted with the naked eye after sunset on Wednesday in several places in Iran.”
And the statement added, “Thus, tomorrow, Thursday, will be the first day of the holy month.”
Saudi Arabia also announced earlier that Thursday is the first day of Ramadan. And a statement by the Saudi Supreme Court, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, “SPA”, stated that Wednesday “is the thirtieth of the month of Sha’ban,” and therefore Thursday is “the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan for this year.”
In addition, the UAE, Egypt, Syria, Iran, Libya and Tunisia announced that Thursday is the first day of Ramadan, and the same applies to the Palestinian territories.
In Lebanon, Dar Al-Fatwa, as well as the institution of the Shiite cleric Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, announced that Thursday is the first day of Ramadan.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and in Saudi Arabia the obligation of fasting is strictly adhered to, as restaurants remain closed until breakfast.
