Friday, Jul 20, 2012
(Adds observance dates in more countries and background, beginning in the second paragraph.)
By Summer Said
DUBAI--Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, will start the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on Friday, along with most other Arab states.
Religious councils in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan said the moon's crescent was sighted after nightfall Thursday, so it would be the last day of the month preceding Ramadan.
Oman and Syria, however, said the holy month will start Saturday.
Other countries have yet to announce when they will start the fasting month. They are expected to follow the Saudi lead.
Muslims look for the new moon to proclaim the start of Ramadan, during which they abstain from food, drink and sex during daylight hours.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims follow in an effort to practice self-discipline, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate.
Write to Summer Said at summer.said@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
19-07-12 1954GMT
