Ramadan to begin April 13, 2021

The holy fasting period of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, April 13, Muslim leaders said after the traditional moon-sighting activity on Sunday.

The Ramadan schedule depends on the Islamic lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon. During the moon-sighting activity, authorities look for the new crescent moon on which to base the start of the fasting period.

On Sunday, Muslim leaders including the Bangsamoro Government and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos conducted the moon-sighting activity at several locations.

According to the Bangsamoro's advisory committee Darul Ifta' as well as the teams sent out by the NCMF's Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs, no moon was sighted on Sunday night. 

During this month-long Islamic tradition, Muslims around the world fast and offer prayers from dawn until sunset. They also dedicate their time and attention to charity works and religious devotion.

The month of Ramadan ends with the Eid'l Fitr holiday, which last year was celebrated without outdoor gatherings in Metro Manila due to the pandemic. — Merlyn Manos/BM, GMA News