Hiiraan Online
Sunday, June 5, 2016
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Somalia’s government has announced that Monday will be the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan after the new crescent was sighted across the horn of Africa nation.
Somalia’s justice and religious affairs ministry announced the moon was spotted on Sunday evening, leading to prayers in mosques in Mogadishu in celebration for the beginning of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking smoking and having martial relations from sunset to dusk, with many spend.
In addition, faithfuls often spend the entire day in mosques, while others listen to Islamic lessons.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Mogadishu amid fears of security threat from the Al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab group which usually steps up attacks during Ramadan each year.
Last week, the group carried out an attack on a hotel in Mogadishu last week, killing at least 18 people and injured more than 50 others.