Muslims across the world will start observing the holy month of fasting – Ramadan – today.

The National Ruyatul Hilaal, a group that oversees the Muslim calendar in the country, confirmed of the development in an interview with the press.
The fasting starts after a clear sighting of moon has been witnessed.

Sheik Dinala Chabulika, spokesperson for the Muslim Association of Malawi, has since asked local Muslims to regard this year’s Ramadan as their last chance to repent.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when Muslims will fast during the hours of daylight. It lasts for 29 or 30 days.

Muslims believe the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims – a test of patience and endurance whilst refraining from eating and drinking, and sexual activity.