Ramadan 2024 start date announced across several countries
The commencement dates for Ramadan have been officially declared in several countries, including Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as adherents of Islam worldwide gear up to observe the sacred month.
In Australia, it was announced that Ramadan will commence on Tuesday, March 12, making it one of the earliest announcements globally. This proclamation was made jointly by key Islamic authorities in the country, including the Grand Mufti of Australia, the Federal Council of Imams, the Australian Fatwa Council, and the Council of Fatwa and Sharia Arbitration. They confirmed that Monday would mark the end of Sha’ban, paving the way for the start of Ramadan the following day.
Similarly, Brunei has also designated Tuesday as the first day of Ramadan this year. This announcement was disseminated via Radio Television Brunei (RTB) after attempts to sight the crescent moon at various observation points across the nation proved unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Malaysia's national news agency, Bernama, revealed that Ramadan will commence on Tuesday, March 11. In Indonesia, Tuesday, March 12, was also confirmed as the commencement of the Holy Month following the inability to sight the moon on Sunday, March 10. Ramadan holds immense significance in the Islamic calendar, being observed by millions of Muslims globally through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan's timing varies slightly each year due to the lunar cycle, with the Islamic year comprising either 354 or 355 days.
The Arabic word "ramidha," which means "scorching heat" or "dryness," is the source of the English phrase "Ramadan." Muslims break their fast every evening with a meal known as iftar, which usually consists of dates and other traditional delicacies, throughout this month-long fast. Muslims from throughout the world use this time to focus on their spirituality, practice self-control, and show more devotion.
