Ramadan 2024: Saudi Arabia and UAE call for crescent moon sighting on Sunday

Riyadh experienced a joint initiative by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), urging Muslims within the kingdom to observe the crescent moon of Ramzan 1445 AH-2024 on Sunday evening, the 29th of Shaban, corresponding to March 10.

In an official announcement on Friday, March 8, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia underscored the importance of moon sighting for Ramzan. It called upon individuals who spot the crescent moon, whether with the naked eye or through binoculars, to report to the nearest court and register their testimony promptly.

If Sunday, March 10, marks the conclusive day of Shaban, contingent on moon sighting, Ramzan is expected to commence on Monday, March 11. The Islamic month spans either 29 or 30 days according to the lunar calendar, influencing the initiation of Ramzan. If Shaban completes 30 days, Ramzan is projected to begin on Tuesday, March 12.

Concurrently, the moon-sighting committee authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a parallel call for the observation of the crescent moon of Ramzan on Sunday evening. Individuals witnessing the crescent are encouraged to contact 02-6921166.

In the Islamic calendar, Ramzan stands as the ninth month, also recognized as the Hijri calendar. This lunar calendar, commencing with Muharram and concluding with Zul-Hijjah, holds Ramzan as the holiest month. It is believed to be the period during which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims, during this sacred month, observe fasting from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink.