Saudi Arabia Declares March 1 as Start of Ramadan After Crescent Sighting

Saudi Arabia has announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the Kingdom.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayers, and spiritual reflection.

The Saudi Royal Court confirmed that Taraweeh prayers would be held on Friday evening at Masjid Bin Bāz after Esha prayer.

Meanwhile, Qatar and Oman have also officially declared March 1 as the beginning of Ramadan.

However, as of the time of this report, the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has yet to announce the crescent sighting for Nigeria.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. However, exemptions apply to young children, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.

For centuries, Muslims have relied on crescent moon sightings to determine the start of Ramadan, as well as the Islamic holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

During Ramadan, working hours for public and private employees, as well as school schedules, are typically adjusted to accommodate fasting observances.