Moon-Sighting Committees Worldwide Convene for Ramadan’s Arrival
In a synchronized effort, moon-sighting committees from nations around the globe convened to witness the final moon of Sha’ban, symbolizing the impending arrival of the holy month of Ramadan.
Announcements of Crescent Moon Sighting
While some nations, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, proudly announced the sighting of the crescent moon on Sunday, designating Monday, March 11, as the commencement of Ramadan, several others, including Oman, India, Pakistan, and Malaysia, reported no sightings on Sunday, thus earmarking March 12 as the first day of Ramadan.
Countries Announcing Monday, March 11 as the Commencement of Ramadan
- Saudi Arabia:
- Announcement: Local media reported the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening.
- Ramadan Start: Monday, March 11.
- UAE (United Arab Emirates):
- Announcement: The Moon-sighting committee of the UAE confirmed the sighting of the crescent Moon on Sunday evening.
- Ramadan Start: Monday, March 11.
- Oman:
- Announcement: Oman News Agency declared Tuesday, March 12, as the start of the holy month after the crescent moon remained unseen on Sunday.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Kuwait:
- Announcement: Kuwait’s Shariah Vision Authority confirmed the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, March 11, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
- Ramadan Start: Monday, March 11.
- Qatar:
- Announcement: Qatar also marked Monday, March 11, as the first day of Ramadan.
- Ramadan Start: Monday, March 11.
Countries Declaring Tuesday, March 12 as the Commencement of Ramadan
- Oman:
- Announcement: Oman’s official news agency declared March 12 as the first day of Ramadan after the crescent moon remained unseen.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Australia:
- Announcement: The Australian Fatwa Council announced March 12 as the beginning of Ramadan following extensive consultations.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Philippines:
- Announcement: The Bangsamoro Grand Mufti announced March 12 as the start of Ramadan due to the non-sighting of the crescent moon.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Singapore:
- Announcement: The Mufti of Singapore affirmed March 12 as the commencement of Ramadan based on astronomical calculations.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Indonesia:
- Announcement: The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Indonesia confirmed March 12 as the start date of Ramadan due to the absence of crescent sightings.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Malaysia:
- Announcement: The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal in Malaysia declared March 12 as the start of Ramadan.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
- Brunei:
- Announcement: Ramadan in Brunei will commence on March 12 as no crescent moon sightings were reported.
- Ramadan Start: Tuesday, March 12.
Global Significance of Crescent Moon Observations
These declarations signify not just the culmination of moon-sighting efforts but also the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan across various regions, fostering a sense of global unity and shared spiritual commitment among Muslims worldwide.
Announcement of First Day of Ramadan:
| Country | Declaration | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Local media reported the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening, confirming the commencement of Ramadan on Monday, March 11. | March 11 |
| UAE | The Moon-sighting committee of the UAE announced the sighting of the crescent Moon on Sunday evening, signifying the start of Ramadan. | March 11 |
| Kuwait | Kuwait’s Shariah Vision Authority confirmed the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, March 11, following the sighting of the crescent moon. | March 11 |
| Qatar | Qatar also marked Monday, March 11, as the first day of Ramadan. | March 11 |
Countries Announcing Ramadan Start on March 12:
| Country | Declaration | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Oman | The nation’s official news agency declared March 12 as the first day of Ramadan, as the crescent moon remained unseen on Sunday. | March 12 |
| Australia | The Australian Fatwa Council announced March 12 as the beginning of Ramadan following extensive consultations. | March 12 |
| Philippines | The Bangsamoro Grand Mufti announced March 12 as the start of Ramadan due to the non-sighting of the crescent moon. | March 12 |
| Singapore | The Mufti of Singapore affirmed March 12 as the commencement of Ramadan based on astronomical calculations. | March 12 |
| Indonesia | The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Indonesia confirmed March 12 as the start date of Ramadan due to the absence of crescent sightings. | March 12 |
| Malaysia | The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal in Malaysia declared March 12 as the start of Ramadan. | March 12 |
| Brunei | Ramadan in Brunei will commence on March 12 as no crescent moon sightings were reported. | March 12 |
Significance of Announcements:
These declarations represent the culmination of concerted moon-sighting efforts and mark the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan across various regions. The alignment of these announcements underscores the shared spiritual connections among Muslims worldwide as they embark on this sacred journey of fasting, reflection, and communal solidarity.