BREAKING NEWS: Crescent Moon Sighted in Saudi Arabia; Ramadan 1447 Begins Tonight

These other countries, including Turkey, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Oman, Japan, and Jordan, will begin Ramadan on Feb. 19 following confirmation that the crescent moon was not sighted on Feb. 17.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Authorities in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar.

With the confirmation, the fasting month will begin at sunset, and Muslims across the kingdom will observe their first day of fasting on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

In addition to specialized moon-sighting committees, religious authorities had called on Muslims to observe the skies and report verified sightings. The announcement in Saudi Arabia is significant, as many countries look to the kingdom’s decision in determining the start of the holy month.

Across the Muslim world, countries have adopted varying approaches, some relying strictly on local moon sightings, others incorporating astronomical calculations.

Several nations had earlier confirmed that Ramadan would begin Feb. 19 after reporting that the crescent was not sighted on Feb. 17. Among them are Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, Philippines, Oman, Japan, and Jordan.

Meanwhile, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are scheduled to conduct their moon sighting on Feb. 18, meaning Ramadan there could begin on either Feb. 19 or 20, depending on visibility.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting from dawn to sunset, intensified prayer, reflection and charity.

Muslims around the world are now preparing for the sacred month, widely regarded as a time of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

May Allah accept our siyam, qiyam and acts of worship, and grant us the ability to make the most of this blessed month. Aameen.

Allaahu ’Akbar, Allaahumma ‘ahillahu ‘alayna bil’amni wal’eemaani, wassalaamati wal-’Islaami, wattawfeeqi limaa tuhibbu Rabbanaa wa tardhaa, Rabbunaa wa Rabbukallaahu.

Allah is the Most Great. O Allah, bring us the new moon with security and Faith, with peace and in Islam, and in harmony with what our Lord loves and what pleases Him. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah.

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