
This year, fasting during the month of Ramadan will begin tomorrow (Monday, June 6), corresponding with the Islamic calendar year 1437 AH, Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced.
غدا الإثنين 6-6-2016 أول أيام شهر رمضان المبارك ،وكل عام وأنتم بخير.#وزارة_الأوقاف pic.twitter.com/67bbNoi5TK
— وزارة الأوقاف – قطر (@AwqafM) June 5, 2016
Because the new moon was sighted tonight, that means the month of Ramadan officially began after sunset.
Thus, the first taraweeh (special night) prayers will take place tonight at mosques across Qatar.
Prior to Awqaf’s announcement, several scholars in neighboring Saudi Arabia already said the moon was sighted:
غداً هو الأول من رمضان
تبدأ الليلة صلاة التراويح
.
تمت مشاهدة هلال رمضان في سدير
اللهم أهِلّه علينا بالأمن والإيمان
والسلامة والإسلام— د. محمد العريفي (@MohamadAlarefe) June 5, 2016
Starting tomorrow, expect shortened school and work hours (five hours a day for government employees, and six for the private sector), a ban on public eating and drinking during the day and other changes.
Watch this space for a comprehensive list of business/restaurant hours when our guide is published tomorrow.
And here is some advice on what you need to know about Ramadan in Qatar this year.
Ramadan Kareem, all! Thoughts?