Ramadan to fall on Thursday in Australia, Japan, Malaysia

SYDNEY: The Australian Muslim Council of Imams has declared that the holy month of Ramadan will fall on Thursday May 17, 2018.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the council stated: “following extensive consultations with nationwide Islamic leaders and imams from the Australian National Imams Council Executive Committee and their representatives from all Australian states, the first night of the holy month of Ramadan and Taraweeh prayer will be on Wednesday the 16th of May after Maghreb (sunset)”.

The announcement was made by the Grand Mufti of Australia, Abdul Azim Al Afifi on the council’s official Facebook page.

Ramadan not sighted in Saudi

According to Arab media, Ramadan crescent was not spotted in Saudi Arabia. "The holy month of Ramadan will begin from Thursday, May 17, in the Kingdom," it said. 

Other Gulf nation s will also observe Ramadan from Thursday. 

Ramadan declared in Malaysia

In Malaysia, Muslims will begin observing the month of Ramadan from Thursday, May 17, 2018, according to government-owned RTM.

The announcement was made by the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, according to the New Straits Times. Syed Danial said the date for the beginning of the fast nationwide was set in accordance with a decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after acquiring the consent of the country's rulers.

UAE forms committee

In the UAE, a moon-sighting committee has been formed to sight the crescent after Maghrib prayers on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department.

Sultan Bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice, issued the resolution to set up the committee and urged all Sharia courts in the country to participate in the moon sighting and inform the committee of any findings.

CRHC to meet in Pakistan

In Pakistna, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on Wednesday evening to sight the moon for the fasting month. 

According to Met office, the crescent is likely to be sighted in the country on Wednesday, making Thursday the first day of fasting. 

Moon not sighted in Japan

In a statement, Japan 's Ruet-e-Hilal Committee said that the crescent was not sighted anywhere in the country. 

"The fasting month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday in Japan," it announced.