Saudi Arabia's Ramadan 2024 Fast: Supreme Court Decides Start Date Based On Crescent Moon Sighting

The opening of the gates of heaven and the closing of the gates of hell are believed by Muslims to occur during the month of Ramadan, which is a time of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual rejuvenation.

As the Holy month of fasting approaches, the Islamic community worldwide is preparing to observe the crescent moon, signalling the start of Ramadan, also spelt Ramzan/Ramzaan/Ramazan.

Saudi Arabia's Ramadan 2024

This period, during which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), is not only about fasting but also about providing for the hungry, assisting the needy, constantly remembering Allah, and deepening the connection with the Creator. It is a time for purifying the soul, focusing on spirituality, and practising patience, perseverance, and self-discipline.

During Ramadan, Muslims reflect on their blessings and empathize with those less fortunate, striving to break bad habits and establish good ones. They not only abstain from food and drink but also control their words, actions, and thoughts to avoid sin. Ramadan emphasizes equality in the eyes of Allah, regardless of gender, race, nationality, or social status, offering believers an opportunity to draw closer to the divine, seek forgiveness, reconcile relationships, and pursue inner peace, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In anticipation of Ramadan, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged all Muslims in the Kingdom to observe the crescent moon on Sunday evening, March 10, 2024, corresponding to 29 Sha'ban 1445 AH in the Islamic calendar. While Saudi Arabia's moon sighting committee typically monitors the moon in the days preceding the expected start of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the Kingdom are encouraged to personally sight the moon using binoculars or other means.

If the Ramadan crescent moon is sighted on Sunday evening, Taraweeh prayers will be initiated that night, and fasting will commence for Muslims in Saudi Arabia on Monday, March 11. Should the Ramadan crescent not be sighted on Sunday after Maghrib or evening prayers, the holy month will begin on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, as reported by Hindustan Times.

According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency, individuals in the Kingdom who observe the Ramadan crescent moon with their naked eyes or through binoculars are requested by the Supreme Court to inform the nearest court and provide their testimony there. Alternatively, those who witness the Ramadan crescent can contact the nearest centre for assistance in reaching the closest court to document their observation.

This practice of crescent moon sighting is a traditional and integral aspect of the Islamic faith, as it determines the commencement of fasting from dawn until sunset and the observance of acts of charity and worship during Ramadan.