As the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on March 10th this year, Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims to keep watch for the sighting of the Ramadan crescent. Reports from the Saudi Press Agency, as referenced by Hindustan Times, indicate that the Supreme Court has called upon individuals in the Kingdom to report to the nearest court if they witness the Ramadan crescent moon with their naked eyes or through binoculars, providing their testimony there.
Additionally, it has been reported that various observatories across Saudi Arabia will be actively observing the sky for the crescent moon, which marks the onset of Ramadan 1445 AH on Sunday. The primary observation committee will be stationed at Sudair, where a Senior Astronomer from Al Maj’mah University will lead the search for the Ramadan crescent.
Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of March 11th after maghrib prayers, Ramadan may commence in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian nations one day later. This would mean that taraweeh prayers would begin on the evening of March 11th, followed by the first fast on March 12th, marking the start of Ramadan 1445 AH.
Traditionally, the sighting of the crescent moon signifies the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan. The specific timing of the moon sighting varies across different regions, influenced by geographical location and local customs. Ramadan typically spans 29 to 30 days, based on the lunar cycle.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from consuming food, beverages, and other physical necessities, fasting from dawn until sunset. The fast is broken daily with the iftar meal, typically commencing with the consumption of dates, followed by a more substantial meal.