Saudi officials have sighted the crescent moon, marking the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for many of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. The moon was spotted on Sunday night, with Monday being the first day of the fasting month, as reported by Saudi state television. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset, focusing on deeper reflections of faith and engaging in family gatherings. However, this year's observance is overshadowed by Israel’s war on Gaza, casting a somber tone over the month for many.
Following Saudi Arabia's announcement, several Gulf Arab nations, including Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, confirmed they would also begin fasting on Monday. In contrast, some Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore will start Ramadan on Tuesday after not sighting the crescent moon. Oman and Jordan also announced the beginning of Ramadan on Tuesday. The varying moon-sighting methodologies among countries result in different start dates for the month.
Ramadan, based on a lunar calendar, is observed with a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” and a meal to break the fast at sunset called “iftar.” Muslims also focus on acts of charity and strive to avoid conflict during the month. However, the ongoing war in Gaza is a significant concern, with hopes for a ceasefire before Ramadan dashed. The conflict has led to over 31,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities, and aid agencies warn of an impending famine in parts of the strip.
Saudi King Salman, in his remarks following the Ramadan announcement, highlighted the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, urging the international community to act and provide humanitarian aid. In Iran, another key Islamic nation, Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, a day after Sunnis start, according to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office. Meanwhile, Israeli restrictions on Muslims praying at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, may further escalate tensions in the region.
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