On March 21, the Saudi Supreme Court ruled that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday, March 23. writes about it TASS With reference to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Supreme Court, the only person authorized to make such statements, made its decision after experts from the kingdom’s astronomical observatories were unable to detect a newly formed crescent in the sky. This is the sign of the beginning of Ramadan.
It is noted that representatives of other Middle Eastern countries also agree with Saudi astronomers. March 23 was declared the beginning of the holy month in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Qatar, Kuwait, Palestine and Yemen.
According to the Muslim calendar, the beginning of the month is neomenia – the first appearance of the moon in the form of a narrow crescent in the evening sky after the new moon.
As a rule, this phenomenon can be noticed 2-3 days after the new moon. According to Islamic tradition, the start date of Ramadan is determined by authorized astronomers.
The Muslim lunar calendar consists of 12 months, their duration is from 29 to 30 days. Ramadan is called the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, in the same month it is necessary to fast.