Saudi Arabia has announced that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1, after the sighting of the crescent moon.
According to The PUNCH, the Saudi Royal Court confirmed the development on Friday, signaling the start of the annual month-long fasting observed by Muslims worldwide.
As part of Ramadan traditions, the Taraweeh prayer will be conducted at Masjid Bin Bāz following the Esha prayer on Friday night.
Qatar and Oman have also officially declared March 1 as the first day of Ramadan, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s announcement.
In Nigeria, however, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has yet to confirm the sighting of the crescent moon as of the time of this report.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Fasting during this period is one of Islam’s five pillars and is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims.
However, exemptions apply to young children, the elderly, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
Traditionally, Muslims rely on crescent moon sightings to determine the beginning of Ramadan and the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
