MUSCAT – All Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, except Oman, have announced that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the first day of Ramadan, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait confirmed that fasting would begin at dawn on Wednesday after their respective moon-sighting committees verified the crescent.
However, Oman announced that the first day of Ramadan will fall on Thursday, February 19, after the crescent moon was not sighted in the Sultanate on Tuesday evening.
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Oman was the first GCC country to officially declare its position, confirming that Ramadan would commence a day later based on local astronomical and sighting assessments.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, along with increased prayer and charitable acts.
