Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighted in Saudi Arabia, Fasting Begins March 1

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia.

Haramain Sharifain, the official platform providing updates on the Two Holy Mosques, confirmed the moon sighting on their social media handle today. With this announcement, Ramadan will officially commence on Saturday, March 1.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is determined by the lunar cycle, with each month lasting either 29 or 30 days. The beginning and end of Ramadan are based on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this sacred month, Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayers, reflect on their faith, and perform charitable acts such as giving zakaat and feeding the less privileged.

Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the dates for Ramadan shift each year. The month lasts approximately 29 or 30 days, concluding with the sighting of the next crescent moon, which marks Eid al-Fitr.