WATCH: Qatar to observe the Holy Month of Ramadan from April 24

Apr 23, 2020

The Committee responsible for the crescent sighting of the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced that Friday, April 24, 2020, will be the first day of Ramadan in Qatar.

According to a tweet on the Ministry's official twitter page, Thursday, April 23 is the last day of the month of Sha'ban.

غداً الجمعة 2020/4/24 هو أول يوم من أيام شهر رمضان المبارك لعام 1441هـ، وكل عام وأنتم بخير.#وزارة_الأوقاف #لأجل_قطر_كلنا_في_البيت #سلامتك_هي_سلامتي
— وزارة الأوقاف - قطر (@AwqafM) April 23, 2020

The announcement came after the committee held its meeting earlier this evening at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, chaired by Dr Sheikh Thaqeel Al Shammari.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. According to what date the moon is sighted, it can be of 29 days or 30.

As soon as the new crescent is sighted, Muslims officially enter the month of Ramadan and proceed with preparations for the Suhoor just before dawn. Fasting commences at the break of dawn and lasts until sunset.

In addition to fasting, the month signifies increased worship, spiritual devotion, prayers, charity, and acts of kindness.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the precautionary measures implemented by the State of Qatar, this year's Ramadan will be quite different from the past years as the suspension of the congregational prayers will continue and all, except one mosque, will remain closed during the month.

However, the country yesterday announced reduced working hours during the blessed month of Ramadan, as has been the usual procedure in the previous years.

Earlier, keeping up with a longstanding yearly Ramadan initiative, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) also announced a list of over 500 discounted consumer goods for Ramadan. The reduction in prices is aimed at making it more convenient for the citizens and residents of Qatar to meet their consumer needs during Ramadan, in which spending on food items is noticeably high.

Ramadan Kareem from team Qatar Living!