Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced on Saturday that the new crescent moon for the month of Rajab was not visible during the sighting operation, and therefore, Monday would be declared the first day of Rajab. 

The ministry said that its delegates and units of the Royal Armed Forces confirmed that the crescent moon was not observed.

“As a result, the month of Jumada II will have completed 30 days, and the first day of Rajab will fall on Monday,” the ministry said.

Rajab holds special importance in the Islamic calendar, as it precedes Sha’ban and the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset.

 During this time, Muslims fast for 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon.

Religious committees also determine the beginning of the holy month by conducting a crescent sighting.

Ramadan is set to begin on February 18 in Morocco. The official date will be confirmed after the crescent sighting.