Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared April 24 as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in the Maldives.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir announced the new moon has not been sighted in any part of the country, and no Islamic country reported new moon sighting, hence, Thursday, April 23 is the last day of Sha’ban as per the Islamic calendar year 1441. As per the announcement, Friday will mark the beginning of Ramadan in the Maldives.
The Muslim world begins Ramadan at a time congregational prayers have been suspended all across the globe including the Maldives due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Scholars have urged the public to spend their time wisely worshipping at home with families when authorities have instructed people to stay indoors.
Scholars have expressed similar rhetoric as the health professionals as they have instructed the public to refrain from communal Taraweeh prayers at night during Ramadan to curb the spread of COVID-19.