Muslims in Somalia have today started observing the holy month of Ramadan.
The crescent moon, which signifies the beginning of the sacred month, was sighted several places in the country.
Somali ministry of Endowment and religious affairs announced that Friday, 24th April 2020 as the first day of Ramadan.
“According to the Ramadan Crescent Observers committee of the Ministry, Thursday was the end of the Eighth month of Muslim calendar. Therefore Friday will probably be the 1st of Ramadan,” reads a statement by the Ministry.
Despite the beginning of the holy of Ramadan, Somalia is struggling to contain the spread of Coronavirus which had so far affected 328 people.
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.
Muslims are also enjoined to avoid evil thoughts and deeds.
Ramadan is sacred to Muslims because it was during this month that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Fasting the month of Ramadan is also one of the five pillars of Islam.
