Saudi Arabia has declared Saturday as the first day of Ramadan after the crescent Moon was spotted on Friday evening, reports Khaleej Times.
The announcement comes after the nation's Muslims were asked to sight the crescent on the 29th of Shaban (Friday), which is a key signal of the Islamic lunar calendar. Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent.
Now that the crescent has been sighted, Muslims will begin their observance of the holy month with fasting and late-evening prayers being central practices that will be observed during this time.
Many Muslims perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan as it is considered to be as rewarding as a Haj pilgrimage.
They prefer to land in Jeddah before the holy month begins so they can pray their first Taraweeh at the Grand Mosque. Others opt to spend the last days of Ramadan in the holy city of Makkah, either celebrating Eid there or returning home after breaking their last fast.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
