People walk near Ramadan lanterns, or Fanoos Ramadan, which are displayed for sale at shops a day ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, in Cairo (Photo: Reuters)
The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawky Allam, is expected to make a statement on Tuesday, 21 March, regarding the start date of the fasting month.
This announcement will take place after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer and will also be broadcasted on Egyptian television, as is customary for such announcements in Egypt.
According to astronomical calculations, the Cairo-based National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) announced last week that the Islamic holy month will begin on 23 March.
However, the official start date of Ramadan in Egypt is ultimately determined by Dar Al-Ifta after observing the crescent moon.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and is the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed.
During the month, more than a billion Muslims worldwide observe fasting by abstaining from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk.
For many Muslims, it is a time to feel closer to God, engage in Islamic spirituality, and perform good deeds.
It is also a time to support charities and remember those less fortunate while fasting.
Short link: