Morocco to Announce Ramadan Start Date as Lunar Crescent Observation Nears

In Morocco, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan will be Monday, March 11, 2024, if the observation of the lunar crescent is effective on the evening of Sunday, March 29. Otherwise, the holy month will begin on Tuesday, March 12.

As the 29th day of Sha’ban approaches, Muslims around the world are awaiting confirmation of the observation of the lunar crescent to determine the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. All eyes are on Morocco, considered one of the best countries in the Arab and Islamic world in terms of observing lunar crescents. Over the past thirty years, the kingdom has not recorded any errors in this regard.

Morocco’s almost infallible method is visual observation. Before the 28th day of each month, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, through a press release, invites citizens to observe the lunar crescent and report the results of the observation via the indicated telephone numbers. On the 29th day, just before sunset, a committee meets at the ministry to take stock of these observations.

The ministry has appointed nadirs and delegates of Islamic Affairs throughout the kingdom to attest to the legitimacy of the observers and record their testimonies. The Royal Armed Forces are also involved in this process by observing the lunar crescent from their positions throughout the kingdom.