SINGAPORE: Muslims in Singapore will mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan on Tuesday (Mar 12).
The holy month begins with a sighting of the new moon based on the Islamic lunar calendar, after which religious authorities will declare the start of Ramadan.
In announcing the date, the Mufti of Singapore noted that according to astronomical calculations, the crescent for the month of Ramadan is “unlikely to be seen above Singapore’s horizon” when the sun sets on Sunday evening.
This is because the crescent is “too small” and “does not meet the criteria of imkanur rukyah (calculation)” agreed upon by members of MABIMS (Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore) countries.
The Mufti, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, added that Monday marks the 30th day and the completion of the month of Syaaban.
“As such, I am pleased to declare that the first day of fasting for the month of Ramadan falls on Tuesday, Mar 12, 2024.”
The Mufti wished all Muslims in Singapore a blessed Ramadan.
“I would like to wish all Muslims in Singapore a blessed month of Ramadan, and let us fulfil our fasts and acts of worship with full appreciation and excellence,” he said.
“May God grant us the spiritual and physical strength to enliven this month as best as we can.”
