The annual observance of Ramadan was set to commence for most parts of the world as of the lunar sighting on February 18 and 19. However, Fiji and New Zealand found themselves in a unique position, deciding to inaugurate the holy month on February 20. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the Fiji Muslim League declared that Friday, February 20, would mark the beginning of Ramadan.
These countries opted for this date based on astronomical calculations suggesting they could not sight the crescent moon due to its hidden status during Wednesday, February 18, or the 29th day of Sha’aban. Instead, the local religious authorities guided these regions in their decision-making, adhering to a time-honored tradition.
The move places Fiji and New Zealand ahead of many other nations that had already started observing Ramadan on February 19. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Sudan began fasting earlier on the 18th. Observers in these regions would have observed four days more than their counterparts in Fiji and New Zealand.
In a move to accommodate the diverse practices within Islam, both FIANZ and the Fiji Muslim League announced that Thursday, February 19, will be celebrated as the last day of Sha’aban before Friday, February 20. This approach respects local traditions while adhering to international dates set by global bodies for observing the start of Ramadan.
Muslims across Fiji and New Zealand are thus set to begin their fasting period a full day later than most other regions worldwide, with significant implications on community schedules and religious observances in these islands nations.