RIYADH: Saudi authorities have announced the sighting of the moon for the holy month of Ramadan, marking the beginning of the blessed month in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first fast will be observed tomorrow (Monday) in the kingdom, the Supreme Court announced on Sunday evening.
The crescent moon was sighted on Sunday evening in Sudair and Al-Hariq.
The crescent moon, signifying the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, was sighted on Sunday evening in Saudi Arabia. Consequently, today, March 10, marks the last day of the month of Sha’ban, with Ramadan set to begin on Monday, March 11.
People in Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Middle Eastern countries will observe their first fast on Monday (tomorrow).
The Muslim world welcomes the holy month of Ramadan with religious zeal and fervour. Muslims across the world will fast during Ramadan to practice patience and self-control while also promoting charity and welfare.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. Each day’s fast is broken with a prayerful moment and a celebratory meal known as iftar.
While Saudi Arabia has confirmed the start of Ramadan on Monday, several other countries have announced March 12 as the beginning of the holy month, including Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. Oman, on the other hand, will observe the start of Ramadan on March 12, Tuesday, as the crescent moon was not sighted on Sunday evening in the country.
The observance of Ramadan varies based on the sighting of the crescent moon, as determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. Throughout the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from both food and drink, including water, during daylight hours.
