Ramadan: Muslims begin holy month on March 1

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The crescent moon has been sighted, which means Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, will start on March 1.

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) made the announcement at its Old Kampala headquarters just after 7pm on Friday.

An announcement of the same development was also made by Dr Abdul Hafiz Walusimbi, the director of sharia and legal affairs in the office of the Supreme Mufti at Kibuli.

"I would like to take this opportunity to inform members of the Muslim community in Uganda that the crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted," he told a press conference.

"So, we shall start fasting tomorrow March 1, 2025. I wish you a happy Ramadan."

Ramadan is a time of prayer and giving to charity, with fasting being one of the five pillars of Islam.

During this holy month, Muslims around the world refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, breaking their fasts at sunset.

Walusimbi encouraged Muslims to strive to do good throughout the month to maximise the rewards out of it. 

He also encouraged Muslims to always recite the Quran and also support the needy for enormous benefits.

Meanwhile, in a "world first", the United Arab Emirates flew AI-equipped drones to help spot the crescent moon.

The innovation put a new twist on a centuries-old tradition where people scan the skies for the first glimpse of the newly visible moon, news agency AFP reported.

"The use of AI-powered drones extends the concept of direct visual observation, which remains the primary method for confirming the sighting of the crescent moon," the WAM news agency said, citing the UAE Council for Fatwa.

"This method will complement traditional naked-eye sighting accounts and advanced astronomical observatories across the country, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure precise moon sighting," the report said.