MANILA, March 11 ------ Ramadan in the Philippines will begin on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, according to the Bangsamoro mufti. Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani made the announcement after the assigned groups performed moon sighting all over the country. "By the authority vested in me as Bangsamoro mufti, I, Abdulrauf Guialani, hereby announce that the crescent moon was not sighted today," he said. "Therefore, Ramadan fasting 2024 will officially commence on Tuesday, March 12."
The date of the start of Ramadan varies in different countries since it depends on lunar sighting in each respective location: "Fast when you see it (the crescent of Ramadan) and break the fast when you see it (the crescent of Shawwal)." Marked as a period of fasting and praying, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. Exemptions include those who are physically or mentally ill, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and elderly people if fasting will cause their health to deteriorate further.
Muslims also abstain from smoking and engaging in any sexual activity. Neighboring Southeast Asian countries Singapore and Malaysia will also begin the fast for Ramadan on March 12. Meanwhile, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The announcement of the date will also be announced by the mufti based on the result of the moon sighting at that time.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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