Oman has officially declared Thursday (February) as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan after the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening.

The announcement followed the country’s traditional moon-sighting process conducted by the relevant religious authorities, reports Gulf News.

As the new moon could not be confirmed, authorities completed the current lunar month, paving the way for Ramadan to begin on Thursday, reports UNB.

Meanwhile, the Hilal Vision Committee in Japan also confirmed that Ramadan will commence on February 19 after failing to verify the sighting of the crescent moon.

Muslims around the world are now preparing to observe a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and charity. During Ramadan, the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, engage in increased worship and extend support to the needy.

Astronomical forecasts had earlier indicated that Ramadan could begin on February 18 or 19.

However, the official start of the Islamic holy month depends on local crescent moon sightings, which may vary from one country to another.