Sunday March 10, 2024
FILE PHOTO
Mogadishu (HOL) - Saudi Arabia officially announced the commencement of Ramadan on March 11, 2024, as confirmed by the Islamic affairs authorities after the crescent moon was sighted on Sunday night. The announcement marks the beginning of the fasting month for millions of Muslims in Saudi Arabia and is expected to influence the start date in many other Muslim-majority countries.
The tradition of moon sighting varies from country to country, leading to different start dates for Ramadan. While Saudi Arabia has announced March 11 as the start, Morocco is expected to commence Ramadan on March 12, following its own sighting process. Other countries, particularly in Asia like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, will begin Ramadan on March 12 after not sighting the crescent moon.
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites, plays a pivotal role in the observance of Ramadan, with many Sunni-dominated nations in the Middle East following its lead in declaring the start of the month. In contrast, Iran, a predominantly Shiite nation, often begins Ramadan a day later.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Observant Muslims refrain from consuming food and water from dawn until sunset and engage in increased prayer and acts of charity. The month's duration can vary between 29 and 30 days, depending on when the next crescent moon is sighted, which signifies the beginning of the next month, Shawwal.