The holy month of Ramadan will begin on Wednesday after the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia, authorities have announced.
The Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed the sighting on Tuesday, marking the official start of the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer and reflection.
Ramadan begins with the appearance of the crescent moon, which signals the end of the previous month, Sha’ban. The exact start date may vary between countries depending on local moon sightings.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours. The month is also associated with increased charitable giving and spiritual devotion.
Saudi Arabia’s announcement is closely followed by many countries, although some nations rely on their own religious authorities to determine the start of the holy month.
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