Muslims worldwide have begun observing this year’s Ramadan fast.

Today, 13 April 2021 is 1 Ramadan 1442 AH on the Islamic lunar calendar.

The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam that enjoins all Muslims to abstain from food, water, sex and all worldly pleasures for a month in submission to Allah.

Muslims are encouraged to fast 29 or 30 days and also engage in acts of piety such as prayer, helping the poor and needy, reciting the Qur’an and attending Qur’anic lectures among others.

Ramadan is climaxed by the celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

Meanwhile, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Muslims across the country to use the period to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of the country, and the well-being of loved ones.

In a message to wish his fellow Muslims well as they embark on this spiritual journey, Dr Bawumia in a Facebook post also cautioned them to be mindful of the presence of COVID-19 and continue to observe the safety protocols, especially in their various mosques.

His post read: “On the occasion of the commencement of Ramadan, I extend my warm wishes to Muslims in Ghana and around the world, as we observe the month-long fast.

“The sacred month of Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to renew our faith in the Almighty Allah, and also show love and kindness to all, regardless of their religious affiliation, to reinforce the importance of our peaceful coexistence as a people.

“Let us use this period of devotion and purity to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of our country, and the well-being of loved ones.

“Let us also be mindful of the presence of COVID-19 and continue to observe the safety protocols, especially in our various mosques.

“May the Almighty Allah accept our devotions and grant us and our nation the blessings of Ramadan.

“Ramadan Kareem.”