28 Jul 2014

Muslims await new moon sighting

10:04 am on 28 July 2014

Muslims in New Zealand will mark the end of Ramadan on Tuesday, after the new moon proved elusive on Sunday.

The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, is either 29 or 30 days long, depending on when the moon can first be spotted with the naked eye.

Federation of Islamic Associations president Dr Anwar Ghani said the lunar no-show would be welcomed by Muslims.

"There won't be any complaint as such - they will be rather happy that there will be another day of Ramadan because it is a blessed month in which your prayers are heard by God."

Dr Ghani said Eid - the festival to mark the end of Ramadan - will be celebrated with prayer, gifts and feasting.

Muslim men pray in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday before trying to sight the new moon.

Muslim men pray in Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday before trying to sight the new moon. Photo: AFP