Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, after the sighting of the crescent moon. The announcement came on Friday after religious authorities in the Kingdom verified the moon’s appearance, marking the start of the fasting period for Muslims around the world.
With this confirmation, over 1.8 billion Muslims globally will begin observing Ramadan, a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. The fast lasts from dawn until sunset each day, with observers refraining from eating, drinking, and other physical needs during daylight hours.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months in a year that is either 354 or 355 days long. Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan begins on a different date each year according to the Gregorian calendar.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a religious obligation for all healthy adult Muslims. However, certain individuals are exempt, including young children, the elderly, those who are ill, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
For centuries, Muslims have relied on moon sightings to determine the beginning of Ramadan and the two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Religious scholars and astronomers in different countries monitor the sky for the appearance of the crescent moon, which signals the start of these significant occasions.
During Ramadan, many Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, adjust work and school hours to accommodate fasting schedules. Businesses often open later in the day and close earlier, while government offices and schools may operate on shorter hours. The month is also a time of increased charitable giving, community gatherings, and special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh.
Ramadan will continue for either 29 or 30 days, depending on the next moon sighting, and will conclude with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday marking the end of fasting.
