Millions of Muslims worldwide will celebrate the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Wednesday, February 18, following the announcement that the new moon of the Hijri year had been sighted on Tuesday, 29th of Shaaban.

According to an official announcement from Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, the holy month will officially begin on Wednesday, Gulf News reported.

The kingdom’s moon-sighting committee had met earlier today to spot the crescent with the naked eye.

UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, and other countries would also start Ramadan on  Wednesday. Muslims in Palestine, Nigeria, Jordan, and Yemen will also start Ramadan fasting on Wednesday.

However in Egypt, the Fatwa House announced Tuesday that the moon wasn’t sighted, accordingly Ramadan will start on Thursday.

Crescent was not sighted in Azerbaijan, Syria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Therefore, Ramadan would start on Thursday.

Muslims in Türkiye, Oman, The Philippines Singapore, Australia, Jordan, Morocco, Jordan, and France will also start Ramadan fasting on Thursday.

A Holy Month

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

Abdullah Bin Umar (RA) stated that: I heard Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying:

“Fast when you see the moon (Ramadan), and cease fasting when you see it (Shawwal) but if it is cloudy for you then count the month (as thirty days).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, the Prophet (pbuh) said:

“If it is cloudy for you, count out thirty days.” [Muslim]

AboutIslam.net wishes you all a happy and blessed Ramadan.