Crescent moon sighted in Saudi, Ramadan begins tomorrow

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia officially announced the holy month of Ramadan on Monday, March 11, after the sighting of the crescent by the moon-sighting committee, as reported by local media. The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed that the crescent was spotted on Sunday evening, marking the end of the month of Sha'ban.

UAE announces 1st day of Ramadan on Monday

The UAE's Moon-sighting Committee announced that tomorrow, Monday, the 11th of March 2024, will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan and that today, Sunday, is the last day of Sha'ban.

Qatar announces Ramadan on Monday

Tomorrow, March 11, 2024 will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Qatar.

The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs announced this after the sunset prayers today, Sunday.

Ramadan begins on Tuesday in Oman

The Main Committee for Ramadan Moon Sighting has announced that Tuesday, March 12, 2024 will be the first day of the Holy month of Ramadan.

"The day after tomorrow (Tuesday) is the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan of the year 1445 AH, due to the lack of confirmation of sighting of the crescent of the holy month this evening”, stated the Oman News Agency.

The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) said: “The Main Committee for Moon Sighting has met this evening. The committee has not received any evidence of sighting the crescent. Therefore, it announces that Monday (11 March 2024) will mark the end of Sha’ban 1445 AH, and Tuesday (12 March 2024) will mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan 1445 AH."

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims around the world. The month typically lasts 29 or 30 days, with the sighting of the Moon determining its duration.

With the Moon sighted on Sunday evening, the previous month of Sha'ban lasted 29 days, leading to the start of Ramadan on March 11. Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset throughout the month, breaking their fast with the nightly iftar meal.

During Ramadan, Muslims also focus on spiritual growth, acts of charity, and increased devotion to Allah. It is a time of self-reflection and contemplation, as well as a time to strengthen community bonds and seek forgiveness.

As Saudi Arabia and Muslims around the world begin observing Ramadan, we wish everyone a blessed and peaceful holy month. Ramadan Mubarak!Riyadh: