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Saudi Arabia Confirms Start of Ramadan as Crescent Moon Sighted, While Other Nations Begin a Day Later
Kingdom announces holy month will commence Wednesday as moon sighting differences lead to staggered observance worldwide
Saudi Arabia has announced that Ramadan will begin on Wednesday after the crescent moon marking the start of the Islamic holy month was sighted, while several other countries are set to commence observance a day later due to differing moon sighting confirmations.
The Saudi authorities confirmed the sighting through official religious channels on Tuesday evening, declaring that fasting would begin at dawn on Wednesday.
The announcement was followed by preparations across the Kingdom for nightly Taraweeh prayers, adjusted working hours and expanded charitable initiatives associated with the month.
However, religious authorities in a number of other countries said the crescent moon had not been sighted locally, leading them to declare that Ramadan would instead begin on Thursday.
Variations in starting dates are common and stem from differences in moon sighting methodologies, geographical positioning and interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence regarding astronomical calculations.
In Saudi Arabia, the confirmation prompted widespread public response, with mosques preparing for increased attendance and families making final arrangements for communal iftar meals.
Government agencies have also coordinated services to accommodate changes in schedules across schools, businesses and public institutions.
Across parts of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Europe, religious councils issued statements explaining their decisions based on local observation committees and established criteria.
Some communities follow Saudi Arabia’s declaration, while others rely on national moon sighting authorities or astronomical calculations.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer and charitable giving.
The staggered start highlights the global diversity of Islamic practice, even as the spiritual focus of the month remains shared.
As millions prepare for the first fast, religious leaders have urged worshippers to approach the month with unity, reflection and compassion, regardless of the specific start date observed in their country.
The Saudi authorities confirmed the sighting through official religious channels on Tuesday evening, declaring that fasting would begin at dawn on Wednesday.
The announcement was followed by preparations across the Kingdom for nightly Taraweeh prayers, adjusted working hours and expanded charitable initiatives associated with the month.
However, religious authorities in a number of other countries said the crescent moon had not been sighted locally, leading them to declare that Ramadan would instead begin on Thursday.
Variations in starting dates are common and stem from differences in moon sighting methodologies, geographical positioning and interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence regarding astronomical calculations.
In Saudi Arabia, the confirmation prompted widespread public response, with mosques preparing for increased attendance and families making final arrangements for communal iftar meals.
Government agencies have also coordinated services to accommodate changes in schedules across schools, businesses and public institutions.
Across parts of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Europe, religious councils issued statements explaining their decisions based on local observation committees and established criteria.
Some communities follow Saudi Arabia’s declaration, while others rely on national moon sighting authorities or astronomical calculations.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer and charitable giving.
The staggered start highlights the global diversity of Islamic practice, even as the spiritual focus of the month remains shared.
As millions prepare for the first fast, religious leaders have urged worshippers to approach the month with unity, reflection and compassion, regardless of the specific start date observed in their country.