Muslims worldwide commence Ramadan fast

Millions of Muslims around the world have ushered in the “holy month” of Ramadan on Monday, a time marked by intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts.

Saudi Arabia’s state TV announced the new moon of Ramadan was spotted last evening.

The Indonesian government has also decided that the first day of Ramadan will fall on June 6, urging Muslims to protect the sanctity of the holy month.

Muslims in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia have also started observing the holy month of Ramadan.

In Kenya, the government has announced waiving duty on food commodity such as dates during the month.

The holy season lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle. According to the Quran, Muslims are required to start the fast only after seeing the new moon.

Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran, Islam’s holy book, were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.