Saudi Arabia, other Muslim countries welcome start of Ramadan

Over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide have commenced Ramadan, engaging in the sacred practice of fasting. Ramadan is one of the most significant months in Islam, holding profound religious importance for Muslims, fostering spiritual reflection and community solidarity.

Saudi Arabia, along with most Middle Eastern countries, announced the beginning of Ramadan on Friday evening. Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's two holiest sites, observed the crescent moon, subsequently officially declaring the start of Ramadan. "The Supreme Court has ruled that tomorrow, Saturday, will be the first day of Ramadan," the Saudi Press Agency announced on the X platform last Friday, marking a time for increased devotion and charitable acts.

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, and Tunisia also announced that daytime fasting would begin on Saturday. Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, as well as Sunni Muslims in Lebanon, also commenced fasting on Saturday, observing the holy month amidst challenging circumstances.

The office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Iraq's top Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani announced Sunday as the first day of Ramadan. Morocco's Ministry of Islamic Affairs also announced that the country would begin fasting on Sunday as well, joining other nations in this spiritual observance.

In Pakistan and India, the crescent moon observation was scheduled for Saturday evening, with fasting expected to begin on Sunday. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population, began Ramadan on Saturday, while neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines will welcome Ramadan on Sunday, uniting diverse communities in shared faith and tradition.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring believers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours. Simultaneously, devout Muslims are encouraged to donate to the poor, emphasizing compassion and social responsibility during this holy time.