The Ramadan moon has not been sighted in the Middle East, West Asia, along with the West Africa, which comprises of Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Niger, Chad and other nations. The Ramadan fasts, therefore, would be observed from Thursday.
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Ramadan 2018 Date, Moon Sighting Updates: Crescent Not Sighted in Algeria, Libya, Nigeria & Other Parts of West Africa
The Ramadan moon is usually sighted in the West African countries a day before it is spotted in the Indian Sub-continent.
15 May, 20:24 (IST)
After Namaz-e-Maghrib, the designated religious authorities will issue an announcement whether the moon has been sighted or not.
Muslims around the globe remain engrossed whether the West African countries – Nigeria, Algeria, Libya, Chad and other parts of West Africa will begin the observance of Ramadan ul-Kareem (Ramzan) from today, post the sunset. If the crescent moon is seen today, it would mark the start of the holiest month of Islam. Stay tuned above for live updates related to the moon sighting in Algeria, Nigeria, Libya, Chad and Other West African countries.
In case the moon gets sighted, the Taraweeh namaz - the special prayers held each night in Ramadan after the Isha'a namaz - would begin today. The live streaming of the Taraweeh prayers would be available at Makkah TV Live Online:
If the moon is seen today, the fasting for Muslims will begin from tomorrow (May 16). The obligatory fasting will be carried out between dawn to dusk. If the moon is not visible, the fasts would begin from Thursday (May 17). A senior Saudi official said, the moon is likely to be sighted today before the Maghrib namaz. Masjid al-Haram will however confirm whether the moon will be seen or not.
The Ramadan moon is usually sighted in the West African countries a day before it is spotted in the Indian Sub-continent. Scholars are firm that if the moon is sighted in West African countries today then the moon would also be visible in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and other parts of the sub-continent tomorrow.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 15, 2018 08:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).