Muslims in many Arab countries will start fasting on Friday, April 24, as these countries announced that today, April 22 is the 30th of Sha’ban, which is the last day of the Islamic month before Ramadan.

The countries are Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera. 

However, the Ramadan crescent moon will be sighted this evening in many other countries, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Syria and Saudi Arabia.

During Ramadan, also called the fasting month, Muslims fast from dusk to dawn. The fast begins before the sunrise with a small meal called Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and ends with an evening feast called Iftar.

Besides fasting, recitation of the Qur'an has special significance in the month. While five-times a day prayers are compulsory for Muslims throughout the year, the month has special Taraweeh prayers.

This year, Ramadan will be different. In light of the coronavirus crisis sweeping across the world and as nationwide lockdown is imposed in many countries over the virus, Muslims have been advised not to gather for prayers and feast.