This is the first time the faithful across generations will be observing the holy month in the midst of a pandemic.

The UAE announced the beginning of Ramadan after the crescent was sighted on Thursday evening, making today the first day of the holy month.

Observed by nearly 1.8 billion Muslims across the world, this is the first time the faithful across generations will be observing the holy month in the midst of a pandemic.

Millions of UAE residents have geared up to observe the Holy month, praying for the quick recovery of those infected with Covid-19 and for the souls of those who’ve lost their lives to the deadly disease.

As per a tweet by the Astronomy Centre, the moon was photographed on Thursday at 12.02pm from Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee met later in the evening after the Maghrib prayer, and officially announced the beginning of the holy month.

The crescent for the holy month of Ramadan was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Thursday as well.



UAE leaders greet Arab, Islamic nations

The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has sent congratulatory messages to the Kings, Emirs and Presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Khalifa wished the leaders and their people continued good health and well-being, and further progress and prosperity for Arab and Islamic nations.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent similar messages to Arab and Muslim leaders on the occasion.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid shared a message of hope on his Twitter. “On behalf of people and residents in the UAE, I wish all around the world a blessed Ramadan. May it bring us good health, prosperity and peace. Together, we will lead our world towards the better.”

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, shared similar messages of hope, saying: “We congratulate the leadership and people of the Emirates and the Arab and Muslim people on the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan. We ask God for the blessings of this month and that you are blessed with health and happiness. Thank you to all the teams that work round the clock for the comfort and safety of our society.”



National Sterilisation Programme revised

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Interior and the National Authority for Emergency and Disaster Management have revised the timings for the National Sterilisation Programme during Ramadan.

The decision was taken to facilitate the citizens and residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The programme will run from 10pm to 6am instead of the previously announced 8pm to 6am.

Food outlets will be allowed to sell food during the drive. Cooperative societies, grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies will operate 24 hours a day.

The following shops and traders will be allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm: Meat, vegetables and fruits, roasteries, mills, fish, coffee, tea and nuts traders along with establishments selling sweets and chocolates.

The ministry stressed that all shops that have permission to work must adhere to precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, such as limiting shoppers to 30 per cent of capacity and maintaining social distancing.

Authorities also urged people to not step out of their homes unless for emergencies, and stay home for the good of the citizens, residents and visitors, reminding the importance of avoiding family visits and gatherings in these times.

Muslims are told to perform prayers in their houses and to wear gloves and face masks if they leave the house for emergencies or for buying the essentials.

It’s not the same this year

Gatherings

> Iftar and Suhoor gatherings during the holy month of Ramadan must be restricted to family and close friends

> Gatherings of more than 10 people not allowed

> Physical contact such as handshakes and hugging is strictly prohibited



Donating food

> No food should be donated or given directly to any person outside the household



Authorised donations

> Donations should be done through authorised charity bodies only



Sharing food

> It is not advised to share food within

family members living in different houses so

as to minimise transmission risk

Prayers

> Gathering for prayers is not allowed

> Group prayers among immediate household members is conditional that they live in the same housE

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