Abdallah Baraj, the Secretary General of South Sudan Islamic Council  - Courtesy

The Islam Council Secretary General has called for peace in South Sudan as Muslims in the country mark the holy month of Ramadan on Monday.

South Sudan joined the Gulf nations, as well as Egypt, Sudan, Syria and Yemen in commemorating the event with fasting and prayers.

However, Oman, Jordan, Morocco and some Asia-Pacific countries like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will begin Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to see the crescent moon on Sunday.

South Sudan Islam Council Secretary General, Abdallah Baraj confirmed the sight of the crescent moon on Sunday night, prompting the religious Council declared Monday as the starting date of the Ramadan.

“I extend my congratulations to the citizens of South Sudan on the occasion of the advent of the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting,” Baraj said.

“As South Sudan joins the rest of the world in celebrating the month of fasting. We hope that fasting will come this year and our country will enjoy peace in most parts of it, except for some mild inclinations.”

Baraj said most Muslims in different parts of the country are fasting as the country is relatively peaceful.

The sacred month is observed through abstinence from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

Muslims also engage in meditative prayers and charity during Ramadan.