Ramadan Set to Start Friday Across Egypt and Gulf States, a Day Earlier in Libya

Several Arab nations announced the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan for Friday, 15 October 2004, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Egypt's mufti, Sheikh Ali Gomaa, made the declaration at a televised ceremony in Cairo, while religious and government authorities in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi issued similar notices. Libya stood apart, with state television there confirming that Ramadan would begin on Thursday instead.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed through daytime fasting. Evenings are typically devoted to modest meals, family gatherings, prayer, and reflection. The month is regarded as a period of spiritual focus and community solidarity.

Because the start of Ramadan depends on sighting the crescent moon or on astronomical reckoning, the date can differ by a day or more from one country to another.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in October 2004, in its own words.