Crescent moon not sighted anywhere in India; Ramzan to start on March 24

The Markazi Chand Committee of Lucknow stated on Wednesday that the month of Ramzan would begin on Friday because no crescent moon was seen elsewhere in the country.

“The crescent for Ramadan 2023 has not been sighted on March 22 evening. Hence, the first Ramzan fast this year will be observed on March 24, on Jumma (Friday),” Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali told ANI.

The Ramzan fasting date varies each year because Muslims use an Islamic calendar based on the lunar cycle or phases of the moon. The beginning and finish dates of Ramzan are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. The Ramzan month will begin on March 24, Friday, according to Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, an organisation of Muslim academics in India.

With the Hindu celebration of Navratri presently underway, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali asked the Muslim community to respect one another’s religious beliefs.

“I urge brothers and sisters to observe Roza for the welfare, prosperity and progress of the country along with their family members. The Islamic Centre of India has also issued a guideline for people who would observe Roza this month. All religious sentiments should be respected,” he added.

The crescent moon during Ramzan is first seen in Saudi Arabia and some areas of India, as well as several Western nations, and then in the remainder of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries a day later.