Islamic Ministry declares Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan 1447 after confirming moon sighting

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan 1447.

The announcement was made on Tuesday night after the moon‑sighting committee convened. A formal statement signed by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed was read out at the meeting.

According to the statement, the crescent of Ramadan was sighted in several Islamic countries after sunset on Tuesday, 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH. In line with Maldives’ established rules for confirming the moons of Ramadan and Shawwal, the ministry declared that fasting will begin on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia has also announced Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan after confirming the sighting of the crescent.

Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.