The commencement of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan has been officially declared after the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening, ushering in a period of spiritual reflection and devotion for millions of Muslims worldwide.
With the sighting of the crescent moon, March 10 marks the final day of the month of Sha’ban, paving the way for Ramadan to commence on Monday, March 11. The determination of Ramadan’s start date, governed by the lunar Islamic calendar, hinges upon the sighting of the crescent moon, with months spanning either 29 or 30 days.
Saudi Arabian authorities had previously issued a call to Muslims to be vigilant in sighting the crescent, a pivotal moment marking the onset of Ramadan. The Supreme Court had urged individuals who sighted the crescent to report their observations to the nearest court for verification.
While countries such as Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei have announced March 12 as the beginning of Ramadan, Oman has opted to commence observance on March 12, Tuesday, citing the absence of crescent moon sighting on Sunday evening.
Fasting during Ramadan constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam, representing a period of abstaining from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures from dawn until sunset. It is a time marked by increased prayer, reflection, acts of charity, and community engagement, as Muslims seek spiritual purification and enlightenment.
Over the course of four weeks and two days, Muslims worldwide will engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of goodwill, seeking blessings and guidance during this holiest of months. Ramadan serves as a time for introspection, fostering empathy and compassion for the less fortunate, and strengthening bonds within the global Muslim community.
