On March 21, the Saudi Supreme Court announced that Ramadan would begin on Thursday, March 23. The announcement was reported by TASS, citing the Saudi Press Agency. This declaration followed careful examination by the kingdom’s astronomical observatories, where specialists could not sight a new crescent in the evening sky, the traditional signal marking the start of Ramadan. Independent observers from other Middle Eastern nations generally aligned with the Saudi assessment. In the same breath, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Qatar, Kuwait, Palestine, and Yemen declared March 23 as the first day of Ramadan for their communities.
In the Muslim calendar, the beginning of a month is known as neomenia, which refers to the first visible appearance of the moon in a slender crescent shape after the new moon. This crescent phase is typically observable two to three days after the new moon. Islamic authorities rely on astronomers to confirm the start date of Ramadan, and their findings guide the official commencement for communities across the region. The lunar calendar in Islam consists of twelve months, with each month ranging from 29 to 30 days. Ramadan occupies the ninth month, a period during which fasting is observed by adherents around the world.
The process of lunar observation is a blend of scientific calculation and traditional practice. While precise celestial data can suggest when a crescent might be visible, local sighting reports and religious authorities ultimately determine the calendar day each year. This approach helps ensure that Ramadan begins at a time that is spiritually meaningful for communities while reflecting the natural rhythms of the moon. Across Saudi Arabia and its neighboring countries, the decision to begin Ramadan on a specific date is shared among religious scholars, astronomers, and government agencies, reinforcing a collaborative method that honors both tradition and science. In practice, people prepare for fasting, charity, and communal prayers as the day approaches, guided by the announced date and the local announcements that follow in their own cities and regions.
For many observers, the start of Ramadan marks a period of intensified devotion, social solidarity, and reflection. The shared timing across several nations underscores a common religious calendar, even as local practices may differ in prayer schedules, meal traditions during suhoor and iftar, and the handling of cultural events during the holy month. While the exact date may vary slightly from one country to another due to sighting reports, the overall consensus for the year in question highlights the global unity of the Ramadan observance within the broader Muslim world.