Saudi Arabia calls for Ramadan moon sighting
Islamic Moon sky on Dark Blue Dusk,Twilight Sky in the Evening with Sunset and Beautiful Sunlight dark cloud and Crescent moon, symbol of religion islamic begin Ramadan month, Eid al-Adha, Eid al fitr Credit: Shutterstock
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has urged Muslims to look for the crescent moon of Ramadan on the evening of Friday, February 28, which corresponds to the 29th of Shaaban 1446 in the Islamic Hijri calendar.
In an official statement, the court requested individuals who sight the moon—whether with the naked eye or binoculars—to report their observation to the nearest court or designated center to assist in verifying the sighting.
“The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sees it (the moon) with the naked eye or through binoculars informs the nearest court and registers their testimony, or contacts the nearest center to assist them in reaching the nearest court,” the authority said in its statement.
If the crescent moon is spotted after sunset on February 28, then Ramadan will begin on March 1. However, if it remains unseen, the holy month will commence on March 2.
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is observed through fasting from dawn to sunset, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs.
The fast is broken at sunset with Iftar, while the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins is known as Suhoor.
As the Islamic world awaits the sighting of the crescent moon, millions prepare to begin a month of spiritual reflection, prayer, and devotion.
