Somalia starts observing Ramadan as President Hassan urges compassion for the poor

Somalia has today (Saturday) commenced observing Ramadan after the moon was sighted on Friday in various towns in the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowment Sheikh Mukhtar Robow who was flanked by senior clerics.

Ramadan is Islam's holiest month. It is the third pillar of Islam and Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to be compassionate to each other and to feed the poor.

"The moon was sighted in many places in Somalia, and we have also confirmed. We therefore wish to inform the Somali public that tomorrow, Saturday 1st March will also be Ramadan 1 and so they should start fasting," Minister Mukhtar said late on Friday in a live moon-sighting event on State TV.

In his traditional Ramadan goodwill message, also shared late on Friday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged the public to be compassionate to the needy and spread love, forgiveness and goodwill during this year's Ramadan.

Somalia is a majority Muslim country.

"This is the month of mercy, a month of compassion; let us please help and support the needy and the weak amongst us. Those who have should remember their poor neighbours and let us extend a hand of help to the displaced persons languishing in camps, let us also support the orphans," President Hassan said in his message.

Pray for peace

He reminded the Somali public to pray for peace and stability in their country, to forgive each other and to stand with their government in its fight against terrorism which he said denies the country the tranquillity it needs to prosper and develop.

"Please support the Somali government to continue doing good for the country, support the government's efforts in liberating the country from Al-Shabaab terrorists who for the last 18 years have denied the people from having a good life, denied dignity to our people and good governance. The world has stood with us and helped us, but they cannot liberate the country for us, it is up to us to liberate it ourselves," he said.

He called on Somalis to shun tribalism, forgive one another and work hard for the betterment of the country.

"Ramadan Kareem to all Somalis wherever they are as well as Muslims all over the world. May Allah bless the month of Ramadan for all of us and May Allah accept our fasts, prayers and supplications. May Allah ease our burdens," he said.

Minister Mukhtar confirmed the moon was sighted in Afgoye, Hargeisa, Berbera, Burao, and Garowe as well as other locations in Somalia. In Islam, once a sound-minded adult confirms sighting the crescent moon, they are required to inform their local Imam who can administer an oath.

The same information is then relayed to the national moon-sighting committee sitting in Mogadishu which officially makes the announcement public.

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