Muslims in several parts of the world will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday after authorities in Saudi Arabia confirmed that the crescent moon marking the start of the Islamic month has been sighted.
The Saudi Supreme Court announced Tuesday evening that verified reports from official moon-sighting committees confirmed the appearance of the crescent, meaning fasting will begin at dawn Wednesday, according to state media.
The sighting establishes the start of Ramadan 1447 AH in countries that follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement, while other nations may begin a day later depending on local observations or national religious authorities.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, begins with the visual confirmation of the new crescent moon, a centuries-old tradition that determines the timing of fasting, prayer and charity.
Astronomical forecasts had suggested that visibility of the crescent on Tuesday would be difficult in many regions because the moon would be too young and close to the sun to be seen, with clearer viewing conditions expected the following evening.
Still, official testimonies from observers in Saudi Arabia led authorities to declare Wednesday as the first day of fasting, when Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset and devote more time to worship and reflection.
In other countries, including Oman and Japan, officials said Ramadan would begin Thursday after the crescent was not sighted locally, illustrating how start dates can vary worldwide.
Throughout the month, mosques typically host nightly Taraweeh prayers, families gather for pre-dawn and sunset meals, and charitable giving increases as believers emphasize spiritual discipline and community support.
Ramadan is expected to last 29 or 30 days depending on future moon sightings, with Eid al-Fitr marking its end.
