According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations observed the crescent moon on Sunday, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
For millions of Muslims across the kingdom and around the Arab and Middle Eastern world, this is the start of a time devoted to fasting and reflective thought.
According to Islamic tradition, the declaration opens the door for pious Muslims in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to begin their first day of fasting on Monday.
In the meantime, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei were unable to see the moon, therefore in these countries, Tuesday, March 12, will be the start of Ramadan.
The meteorological agency in Pakistan has already forecast that the Ramazan moon would be visible on March 11. This would usher in Ramadan on Tuesday, March 12, if it were observed nationwide.
For believers across the world, Ramadan is a time of great significance when they observe fasting from sunrise to sunset along with prayers and charitable deeds.
The start of Ramadan, a month-long period of increased piety and devotion for Muslims, is marked by the seeing of the crescent moon, an important event in the Islamic calendar.
Ramadan, observed by the Islamic calendar in Saudi Arabia and other locations, is a time for family get-togethers, community events, and special prayers every night called Taraweeh.
During this holy month, Muslims all across the world ask for forgiveness, do deeds of kindness, and deepen their connections with their relatives.
