Tema, Sept. 27, GNA - The first sighting of the Ramadan month shall be Wednesday, October 13, the Hilal Committee of Muslims has disclosed. Making the disclosure at the end of the 10th Annual National Ramadan Hilal Conference at Tema, there was a consensus of that if sighted, the following day that is Thursday, October 14, becomes the first day of this year's Ramadan.

The two-day conference, attended by delegates made up of Imams, Muslim Chiefs, Illamau and members of the Hilal Committee nationwide, was held under the theme: "Peaceful Co-existence During and After the Electioneering Period in Islamic Perspective."

The conference stated that if the moon was not sighted for the first time on Wednesday, then Thursday becomes the 30th day of the month of Shaban.

"Therefore, the following day, that is Friday, October 15, automatically becomes the first day of Ramadan 2004," the conference noted.

Muslims urged to promote peace

Obuasi, Sept. 27, GNA - Muslims, especially the youth have been urged to develop the spirit of forgiveness to promote peace in the country during this election period.

Mr Joe Boampong, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, gave the advice in a speech read for him by Nana Asirifi Asare II, the Presiding Member, at the inauguration of the New Estate branch of the Muslims Youth Association at Obuasi.

"As Muslims we need to find a place in our hearts to understand and forgive one another in order for this nation to move forward", he said.

Mr Boampong said the Holy Prophet of Islam preached peace throughout his life and urged present-day Muslims to emulate such shinning example.

"Prophet Mohammed throughout his life preached peace and admonished his followers to love their enemies and bless those who hate them. Therefore if we accept the Prophet as our leader, then we have no excuse but to promote peace among ourselves", Mr Boampong said. He reminded them of the December elections and appealed to them to offer prayers to make the elections more peaceful.

Alhaji Abubakar Mumeen, the Chief Imam, who spoke on "Promoting Harmony and Moral Uprightness in Communities -The Role of Muslim Youth", challenged them to lead lives that would enhance the image of the Muslim religion.

He advised the Muslim youth to embrace the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) programme.

Alhaji Mumeen said it was the responsibility of the Muslim youth to change the public perception that Muslims were violent people. He encouraged them to use the association to champion the course of the under-privileged among the Muslim community. Mr Zakaria Ibrahim, the President of the association, gave the assurance that the members would work hard to uphold the tenets of the Muslim religion.