Ramadhān to begin Wednesday as crescent moon sighted in Saudi Arabia

The Haramain Sharifain has announced the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia, officially marking the beginning of Ramadhān 1447.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, Haramain said:

“BREAKING NEWS | The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Ramadhān 1447 will begin tonight. May Allāh ﷻ accept our siyām, qiyām & acts of worship, and may He grant us the ability to utilise the precious moments of this Blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him. Aameen.”

The sighting of the crescent moon signals the commencement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadhān, a period observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

With the announcement, worshippers across Saudi Arabia are expected to begin the first night of special Ramadhān prayers, known as Tarāwīh, with fasting set to commence at dawn.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Muslims are awaiting an official announcement from the Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who traditionally declares the commencement of Ramadhān in the country following verified moon sightings.

Ramadhān, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is regarded as one of the most sacred periods in Islam, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn until sunset as an act of devotion and spiritual discipline.