Source Credit: Al Arabiya
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia confirmed on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
With this announcement, over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will commence fasting from sunrise to sunset each day. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, follows a 354- or 355-day cycle and holds deep spiritual significance in Islam.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims. However, exemptions apply to young children, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
For centuries, Muslims have relied on crescent moon sightings to determine the start of Ramadan and the two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
During the holy month, working hours for government and private sector employees, as well as school schedules, are typically shortened to accommodate fasting and religious observances.
