Countdown to Ramadan: Qatar calls on public for Moon sighting on February 17

The start of Ramadan now rests on a familiar and significant moment. Authorities in Qatar have called on the public to look to the skies on the evening of February 17 to help confirm the beginning of the holy month.The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has urged Muslims across the State of Qatar to observe the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 17.In a statement issued on Sunday, the committee requested that anyone who sights the crescent should report immediately in person to the ministry’s headquarters at Dafna Tower to formally submit their testimony.The committee confirmed that it will convene immediately after Maghreb prayer on the same evening to review testimonies and determine the official start of Ramadan.