The sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Ramadan has been confirmed in Saudi Arabia, according to the moon sighting committee.
As the crescent moon was observed on Friday evening, the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, will commence on Saturday, March 1. The sighting of the crescent was witnessed across the Kingdom in areas such as Sudair and Tumair.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court urged all Muslims in Saudi Arabia to look for the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening.
The court said that individuals who see the Ramadan crescent with their own eyes or through binoculars should report their observation to the nearest court and document their testimony there, or reach out to the closest center for guidance to the nearest court.
Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee generally monitors the moon in the days leading up to the expected start of Ramadan, but they have encouraged other Muslims who wish to view the moon to do so as well.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset as part of this Islamic observance that seeks to promote patience, charitable acts, and communal welfare.
This month is filled with blessings and marks the period when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting throughout the month, from dawn to dusk, is one of the five pillars of Islam.
On this significant occasion of Ramadan, Muslims seek a transformative experience, aiming to enhance their spirituality, eliminate bad habits rather than just pausing them, engage in supplication, pursue healing, give to charity, prioritize prayer over sleep, and deepen their faith during this month of forgiveness.
