For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, Muslims this year will mark Ramadhan without fear of the virus in the Sultanate of Oman. They are looking forward to observing the holy month without any restrictions as they did before the pandemic.
On Monday, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs called on everyone to be alert for sightings of the crescent of the month of Ramadhan on Wednesday evening. “We invite all to look out for the crescent of the month of Ramadhan on Wednesday.” “In the event of sighting the new moon, it requested the information be relayed to the authorities concerned. The moon sighting committee will meet on Wednesday,” it added.
Expected to begin on Thursday, Ramadhan is the most anticipated time in the Islamic calendar with elaborate preparations taking place weeks before.
“Ramadhan is the most sacred month and hence deserves adequate preparations. We missed the real feel of the month the last two years, so we are happy that this Ramadhan will be full of activities because almost all Covid-19 restrictions are a thing of the past,” said government employee Bader al Harthi, as he shopped in a hypermarket in Muscat.
Amour al Touqi, a shopper who was seen buying Ramadhan items, said, “Because Ramadhan is special for everyone, we have to prepare in a number of ways including mentally. In any case, we welcome the month with eagerness. I’ll finish all my shopping so that I can be free to observe the month.”
With shopping centres wooing customers with special Ramadhan offers, Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) took efforts to monitor markets for irregularities. “CPA has been conducting an intensive campaign in commercial centres and has issued notices against violators to control prices, promotions and discounts for Ramadhan,” a CPA official said.
Muscat Municipality has also intensified inspection and control visits to ensure the quality of foodstuffs and storage facilities to ensure public health. In addition, on Monday, it announced new working hours for Seeb and Al Amerat slaughterhouses for the month of Ramadhan.
A statement issued by Muscat Municipality said, “Working hours of slaughterhouses throughout Ramadhan will be from 8 am to 1 pm for individuals and from 6 am to 8 am for companies.” Ramadhan, however, is not just about food. It is also a social occasion when family and friends come together. “We are happy that we will get to celebrate Ramadhan evenings with our family and friends without any restrictions,” said Seeb resident Aiman Khalaf.
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