The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered the release of 1,295 prisoners ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
The country's state news agency WAM reported this information on Thursday (February 27). He also ordered the prisoners to be helped to pay off any debts as a token of Ramadan greetings.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that he wants those who are released to start a new life. And their families to be relieved of the suffering they are going through.
The holy month of Ramadan is going to start in the Arab world from March 1, the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Center has announced. The organization's director, Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, said that the crescent moon will be seen in some parts of the Arab world on February 28. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan will begin that evening. But if the moon is not sighted on that day, the holy month will begin the next day, March 2.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Arabic calendar. During this month, millions of people around the world, including the United Arab Emirates, observe fasting. The Arabic months are determined based on the sighting of the moon. During this month, worshippers increase their worship and charity.