Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A new moon for Ramadhan

Muslims are on the lookout for the new moon this week, which will signal the beginning of ramadhan, and the corresponding one-month fast. All muslims are required to fast in this period, with the exception of the old, sick, people traveling on long journeys, women in the third trimester of pregnancy, and young children.

Acting Chief Kadhi Ahmed Sharif Mohdhar announced that the fast is expected to begin between wednesday night and thursday depending on the sighting of the moon.

Muslims observe the month by abstaining from indulging the appetites (notably food, drink and sex) from dawn to sunset. Muslims take time to re-evaluate their lives in accordance with islamic teachings. During ramadhan, every part of the body must be restrained, which means fasting is not merely physical, but rather a total commitment of the body and soul.

The Chief Kadhi says that no muslim should fast before the sighting of the moon, and a starting date for the fast should be announced to avoid confusion as has happened in the past

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