Ramadan 1442 to commence on Tuesday

Ramadan 1442 is to commence on Tuesday.

In a statement made during the ceremony of moon-sighting for the fasting month of Ramadan for 2021, the Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir revealed that Monday was the 30th day of the Hijri month of Sha’ban.

Maldives will be marking the beginning of Ramadan on Tuesday, April 13, as the moon was not sighted nationwide on Monday.

During his statement, the minister urged the people of Maldives to increase good deeds during the fasting month and attempt to fulfil their responsibilities as a Muslim community.

At a time the country is locked in a battle against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the minister highlighted that communities will be allowed to perform congregational prayers during Taraweeh, in accordance to the guidelines set forth as a safeguard against the wide spreading pandemic, by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). As such, individuals are required to adhere to social distancing measures when assembling for prayer.

Households across the nation are preparing for the fasting month and some businesses have also made amendments to their opening hours during Ramadan 1442, for which a number of Muslim communities across the globe look forward to.

The Ministry of Economic Development earlier revealed that shops will be allowed to remain open between 8am and 12am during the fasting month as well as the first seven days of Shawwal.