Muslims Across Africa Begin Fasting for Ramadan on Different Days

The Muslim fasting month, commonly known as Ramadan, began as early as Sunday in some African countries while others will begin Tuesday. West Africa giant Nigeria began Ramadan, one of five pillars of Islam, on Sunday alongside Ghana and Libya, among others, corroborating sources reported.

A few Gulf Muslim countries announced they will start the month of Ramadan Monday, along with Burkina Faso, where the moon crescent was sighted in some areas, as the official Radio and TV broadcaster RTB announced.

Niger, Cote d’Ivoire as well as Central Africa’s Gabon and Cameroon started Monday, according to Malian television channel Africable.

In Mauritania, the month regarded by Muslims worldwide as blessed, also began Monday as in most parts of the world.

In Senegal, the moon observatory committee said as the crescent was unseen across the country, fasting will start Tuesday 2 September.

Senegal will be one of few countries in the world to start fasting on Tuesday, alongside the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Morocco.

In Guinea, Muslims are divided over when to begin the Ramadan as some started Monday while others are waiting for Tuesday.

Muslim communities in the world are split over how to approach the moon appearance, which is recognized to mark the beginning of Ramadan.

While some Muslim scholars argue the community must stick to scanning the sky for the moon crescent, others believe calculations could be enough to determine the start of fasting.

Source African Press Agency

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