While most countries around the world began observing Ramadan on February 18 or 19, today, Friday, February 20, marks the first day of Ramadan in Fiji and New Zealand.
Local Muslim organizations, including the Fiji Muslim League and the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, stated that the moon was not sighted on the evening of February 18, which was the 29th of Sha’ban. Both countries completed 30 days of Sha’ban on February 19, officially making February 20 the 1st of Ramadan.
The organizations explained that due to astronomical factors and geographic location, the crescent moon was not visible either to the naked eye or through telescopes. Since the start of Ramadan in these countries depends on local moon sighting, the announcement follows traditional Islamic practice.
Meanwhile, other nations have already begun Ramadan. Countries that started on February 18 include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Sudan, while Oman, Brunei, India, Pakistan, and Egypt began on February 19.
Muslims in Fiji and New Zealand will today begin fasting and performing the special prayers of Ramadan, joining the global community in welcoming the holy month.