Ramadan Begins: Muslims in Sri Lanka Start Fasting Today

Muslims across Sri Lanka will commence fasting today to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. The start of the month was confirmed by the sighting of the new moon, according to an announcement from the Colombo Grand Mosque.

During Ramadan, devotees engage in fasting from dawn until sunset each day, as well as practicing self-restraint, spiritual reflection, and increased devotion through prayer and charitable acts. This period is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, cultivate discipline, and focus on personal and communal spirituality.

Fasting during Ramadan represents one of the five pillars of Islam, which form the foundation of Islamic practice. The daily fast, known as sawm, involves refraining from food, drink, and other physical indulgences from sunrise to sunset, allowing Muslims to develop empathy for the less fortunate and deepen their connection with God.

The month of Ramadan also emphasizes community gatherings, reflection, and acts of kindness, with families and mosques coming together for evening meals known as iftar, which break the day’s fast. It is considered a period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and heightened awareness of one’s duties toward others.

Muslims in Sri Lanka and around the world observe Ramadan with devotion, making it a significant and sacred time in the Islamic calendar.