New Delhi: With the crescent moon observed on Saturday (April 2), the first fasting was observed on April 3. Days after Ramzan month started for those who profess Islam, the Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday issued directives that Muslim employees can leave an hour early in the evening from offices during this month.
These orders were given keeping in view that they have to perform necessary rituals, except when their presence is required due to exigencies of services during the Ramzan month (April 3-May 2), Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Sameer Sharma said, in a release.
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Ramzan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which people who profess Islam fast from dawn to dusk, do prayers for the well-being of the society and give back to the community by doing charity.
Several leaders, including PM Modi, had greeted Muslims ahead of the beginning of the holy month of Ramzan. Taking to Twitter, Modi wrote: "May this holy month inspire people to serve the poor. May it also further enhance the spirit of peace, harmony and compassion in our society."
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