The crescent moon signaling the start of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
Haramain Sharifain, the official platform for updates on the Two Holy Mosques, confirmed the sighting on social media today. As a result, Ramadan will officially commence on Saturday, March 1.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, follows the lunar cycle, with each month spanning 29 or 30 days. Its start and conclusion are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Throughout the month, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayers, reflect on their faith, and perform charitable acts, including giving zakaat and providing for those in need.
Since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, Ramadan shifts each year. The month will last approximately 29 or 30 days, concluding with the sighting of the next crescent moon, which marks the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
