The Islamic Ministry has declared Friday, 24th April as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the current Islamic year.
The announcement was made by the Islamic Ministry after the crescent moon that marks the beginning of new Islamic months was not sighted. As the new moon had not been observed in any Islamic countries, Thursday, April 23rd will be the last day of the month of Sha'ban, and 24th April will mark the first day of Ramadan, said the Islamic Ministry.
The ministry advised and encouraged the public to observe the holy month according to the spirit of Islam.
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Maldives is a predominantly Islamic country.
