Nigeria, Feb. 14 -- The Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Mohamad, has announced that the Holy Month of Ramadan this year will commence on Thursday, 19 February, across all Australian states and territories.

Mr Mohamad, who is also the chairman of the Australian Fatwa Council, made the announcement in a statement on Friday. He said the announcement follows extensive consultations with Imams from the council.

According to the statement, the decision is based on astronomical calculations showing that the new moon for Ramadan will be born after sunset on Tuesday, 17 February.

"In Sydney, the sun will set at 7:45 pm (AEST) on Tuesday, while the new moon will be born at 11:01 pm the same night. In Perth, sunset will occur at 7:04 pm (AWST),...