Manama: The Moonsighting Committee of the Kingdom of Bahrain announced that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the first day of Ramadhan for the year 1447 AH.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Committee stated that the start of Ramadhan is determined either by sighting the new crescent or by completing the month of Sha’ban. Sha’ban 1447 AH began on Tuesday, January 20, as per the Bahraini calendar and other recognized calendars. The Committee convened on the evening of Tuesday, February 17 (29 Sha’ban 1447 AH) at the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA).
The Committee reported that although no testimonies were received in Bahrain, the crescent moon was confirmed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a number of reliable witnesses. As a result, it declared Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadhan 1447 AH, making fasting obligatory.
The SCIA extended congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, members of the Royal Family, the people of Bahrain, and the Arab and Islamic nations, wishing them many happy returns.