Desk Report:
Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, after the crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom.
The announcement marks the start of a significant religious observance for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, who will fast from sunrise to sunset throughout the month. Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims. However, exceptions are made for young children, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
For centuries, Muslims have followed the tradition of looking for the crescent moon to determine the start of Ramadan, as well as the dates for the two major Islamic holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.