INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT DECIDES START OF RAMADHAN JUNE 29

Photo: Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs doc

Jakarta, 29 Sha’ban 1435/27 June 2014 (MINA) – The Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Religious Affairs decided the first day of Ramadan 1435 falls on a Sunday (29/6), despite differences among its people.

The Minister of Religion Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin announced the first day of Ramadan in Jakarta on Friday (27/6), referring to the search of the new moon conducted in 63 points throughout Indonesia.

The beginning of holy month Ramadan set after the new moon seen known as hilal.

The position of the new moon is under one degree or between minus 0 degrees 30 minutes till 0 degrees 30 minutes.

“Based on all the inputs we decided that first day of Ramadan 1435 falls on 29 June 2014,” said Lukman Hakim, as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

“Despite the differences, the Government still appreciate the Muslims who carry out the first fasting on Saturday (28/06),” he added.

Ithbat Session was attended by the Ambassadors from Islamic countries, Chairman of MUI Dien Shamsuddin and KH. Ruf Amin, Deputy of Ministry Affairs Nasaruddin, Secretary General Nur Syam, Plt. Director General Abdul Djamil Islamic Guidance and Leadership Muslim community organizations, as well as other organisations.

While neighboring countries such as Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said the first day of fasting for Ramadan will begin on Sunday (29/6).

In a statement, the Mufti of Singapore Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaramsaid, “According to astronomical calculations, the crescent for the month of Ramadan this evening did not meet the criteria agreed upon by member countries of MABIMS (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore).

“The last day of the Islamic calendar month of Syaaban would be on Saturday (28/6), and the first fasting day for the month of Ramadan is on Sunday(29/6),” he said.

Ramadan moon was not sighted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia on Friday evening so the holy month will begin in the UAE and Saudi Arabia from Sunday.

The Saudi Supreme Court has confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan moon was not sighted today (Friday) so tomorrow (Saturday) is the last day of Shaabaan and Ramadan will begin on Sunday, June 29.

The UAE moon sighting committee has also confirmed that the holy month will begin on Sunday, June 29.(L/P03/P04/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)