Ramadan to start Dec. 9: Government

Ramadan to start Dec. 9: Government

JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Wednesday here that
the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan will this year begin on
Thursday, Dec. 9.

Antara reported that a meeting of officials from the Ministry
of Religious Affairs with representatives of major Islamic
organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, Persis,
Tarbiyah Islamiyah, Persatuan Umat Islam and Al Mansuriyah had
agreed on Tuesday night that Sya'ban -- the Islamic month
preceding Ramadhan -- will last 30 days and end on Jan. 8.

The scholars' meeting, presided over by the Director General
for the Development of Islamic Institutions Husni Rahim, also
estimated that Idul Fitri -- a celebration marking the end of
Ramadhan and the beginning of the Syawal month -- will fall on
Saturday, Jan. 8, 2000.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar phases. Mathematical
and astronomical calculations are carried out along with other
methods, such as lunar sightings, to determine the onset of
certain months.

Another meeting is scheduled later in January to ascertain the
exact end of the Ramadhan fasting month.

The meeting also estimated that the Islamic Day of Sacrifice,
Idul Adha, will fall on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2000. (byg)