RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called upon all Muslims in the Kingdom to participate in the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon on the evening of Sunday, March 10th, 2024. This corresponds to the 29th of Sha'ban in the Islamic calendar.
The sighting of the crescent moon marks the traditional Islamic method for determining the beginning of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and charity observed by Muslims worldwide. If witnessed by credible observers, the sighting would initiate Ramadan on Monday, March 11th. In its absence, the holy month would commence on Tuesday, March 12th.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court has requested that individuals who observe the crescent moon, either unaided or with the assistance of binoculars, report their sighting to the nearest court for formal documentation. While Saudi Arabia maintains a dedicated moon sighting committee that conducts observations in the days preceding Ramadan, the tradition of personal observation remains an important practice.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. This period serves as a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and strengthening bonds within the Muslim community.
