Saudi declares Tuesday first day of Ramadan 2021

Saudi moon-sighting committee has declared Tuesday April 13, 2021, as the first day of Ramadan 2021.

According to a statement released by the committee the first day of Ramadan will be Tuesday April 13, 2021.

“Monday April 12 will be the last and 30th day of Shaban 1442 Hijri which means, by default, the first day of Ramadan will be on Tuesday,” the statement reads.

It adds, “Sunday marks the 29th day of Shaban, the month before Ramadan according to the Islamic calendar.”

Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle, which is usually 29 or 30 days. The moon sighting determines the duration.

Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a three-day celebration. The exact date will be determined by the moon-sighting committee.

Ebrahim Al Jarwan, member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and head of Sharjah Planetarium said that the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal will form on May 11, 2021, although it is not expected to be visible until Thursday, May 13, which will mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr.