Even though there was no sign of Ramadan in many parts of coastal Karnataka after Magrib prayers, at around 8:00 p.m. the news of moonlighting began to spread.
The Thakbeer was pronounced from the minarets of the mosques across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi after before Isha Namaz, as all religious scholars and Qazis of the region declared that Wednesday will be the start of the blessed month.
People were seen greeting each other on the beginning of the holy month. Devout Muslims rushed to Masjids in large numbers for their first Taraveeh. Women at houses were seen making all preparation for the first Ramadan 'shari' or the meals taken before dawn.
Mangalore Qazi Thwaqa Ahmed Musliar and Udupi Qazi PM Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal, conveying Ramadan greetings to the people twin districts, urged the Muslims to busy themselves with prayers, fasting and spiritual introspection throughout the month.
Moon sightings are reported from various areas including Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, sources said.
Interestingly, the holy month has begun in many Middles East countries like Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and coastal areas of South-West India together.
Ramadan begins around 11 days earlier each year. Its start is calculated based on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the Muslim lunar month that varies between 29 or 30 days.
During the month, Muslims are expected to abstain during daylight hours from food, drink, smoking and sex to focus on spirituality.
Also Read:
It's official: Ramadan to begin in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar on Wednesday
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