Narissa Noor & Syafiq Affendy

THE fasting month of Ramadhan for Muslims in Brunei will begin tomorrow (Saturday) after Syarie Judges, officials of the Syariah Court and from the State Judiciary Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Survey Department of the Ministry of Development failed to sight the crescent moon yesterday evening.
Also present at yesterday’s moon sighting was Acting Minister of Development, Dato Paduka Dr Awg Hj Mat Suny bin Hj Mohd Hussein.

Attempts to sight the `hilal’ or the crescent new moon were made at several vantage locations across the country at Jerudong’s Bukit Shahbandar, Bukit Agok Firing Range and Bukit Ambok in the Tutong District, and Bukit Lumut in the Belait District.

Neighbouring countries Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, too, have decided to begin fasting from Saturday, according to media reports.

In Brunei, mosques across the country will hold nightly `terawikh’ prayers and bertedarus’ ceremonies as part of the various religious activities during the holy month.

Food is also a focal point over the next month as Muslims and non-Muslims alike will flock to food stalls in all four districts to prepare to break their fast at sunset with the best of delicacies.

Muslims, however, are reminded to practise moderation, including in the preparation of their meals, so as not to waste them. Last year, several members of the public through forums and blogs expressed overwhelming concern over this seemingly growing issue.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs also held a moon sighting ,prayer ceremony, yesterday evening, attended by its minister, Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin, deputy minister, Chief Syarie Judge, the former Chief Syarie Judge, deputy State Mufti as well as other officers from the ministry.

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