Saudi Arabia and the UAE declare Ramadan starts Monday after moon sighting
Celestial Significance: Lunar Calculations and Spiritual Unity during Ramadan
Sunday marked a momentous occasion as Saudi Arabia officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan is set to commence on Monday, March 11. The auspicious revelation came following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon within the Kingdom, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), serving as a reliable source for the nation’s announcements and affairs.
In a synchronized gesture, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) promptly echoed Saudi Arabia’s declaration, designating Monday as the inaugural day of Ramadan. This harmonious announcement was conveyed by the Emirati state news agency WAM, emphasizing the unity and devotion shared across the Islamic world.
Mirroring these sentiments, Qatar, entrenched in its own traditions and reverence for the holy month, also declared Monday as the commencement of Ramadan. This simultaneous observance highlights the deep-rooted spiritual connections shared among Muslims worldwide.
Within the intricate tapestry of Islamic faith, Muslims follow a lunar calendar comprised of 12 sacred months in a year spanning either 354 or 355 days. The sighting of the crescent moon serves as a celestial herald, marking the onset of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
The commencement date of this sacred period is meticulously determined through a harmonious blend of lunar calculations and the tangible sightings of the new moon, a process steeped in ancient tradition and spiritual significance.
Ramadan, a cherished pillar of Islamic practice, transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences, uniting over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide in a shared journey of fasting, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation. It is a time of profound devotion, introspection, and communal solidarity.
Fasting during Ramadan represents one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam, an obligatory act of worship incumbent upon all healthy Muslims. However, exemptions are extended with compassion and understanding to young children, the infirm, travelers, and women experiencing pregnancy, nursing, or menstruation.
For millennia, Muslims have revered the timeless tradition of gazing skyward in search of the slender crescent moon, a ritual symbolizing the advent of Ramadan. This celestial quest not only heralds the onset of fasting but also signals the arrival of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the two joyous celebrations that punctuate the Islamic calendar.
As believers embark on this sacred journey, the celestial alignment of the crescent moon serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spiritual heritage that unites Muslims around the world in faith, devotion, and communal solidarity.
