Muslims in Indonesia to begin fasting tomorrow

 

Indonesian officials in Jakarta with a digital theodolite for the sighting of the Ramadan crescent this evening. (AP pic)

JAKARTA: 

Muslims in Indonesia will begin fasting on Saturday (March 1), while those in Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia will commence fasting on Sunday (March 2).

Indonesia’s minister of religious affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, made the announcement following the conclusion of the Isbat conference (to determine the start of Ramadan). The religious attaché at the Malaysian embassy, Shamsuri Ghazali, was among those present.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, with 87% of its 282 million citizens identifying as Muslims.

Singapore’s mufti, Nazirudin Nasir, said the moon’s position by astronomical calculation at sunset this evening did not meet the criteria as agreed upon by the religious affairs ministers in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

“Therefore, the Ramadan crescent was not visible above Singapore’s horizon at sunset this evening, and tomorrow will complete 30 days of the month of Syaaban,” he said.

Thailand’s chief sheikhul Islam, Arun Boonchom, also announced that the Ramadan crescent was not sighted this evening, while Cambodia’s Islamic religious council also announced that Muslims in the kingdom will begin fasting on Sunday. - FMT