Rabat – Saudi Arabia’s Islamic affairs officials have declared March 11 as the first day of Ramadan 2024.
The decision comes after the country’s special moon-sighting committee confirmed that the crescent was seen during the sighting tonight, indicating that tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan in the Gulf country.
Ramadan is anticipated to last 30 days in Saudi Arabia, although Muslims in Morocco will fast for only 29 days this year.
Morocco’s crescent moon sighting committee has failed to declare the first day of Ramadan tonight evening. Astronomers predict that the North African country will proclaim March 12 as the beginning day of Ramadan.
Ramadan practices vary per nation, particularly the food offered during iftar. However, Islamic traditions such as charitable giving, known as Zakat in Arabic, and religious practices remain unchanged.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims say additional prayers after isha or night prayers.
Streets, particularly in the Middle East, are decked out with lights and lamps in the shape of the moon or fanous, a traditional lantern used to decorate homes throughout the holy month. Fanous are more prevalent in Egypt. According to the government website Visit Saudi, this ritual occurs on the 13th, 14th, or 15th day of Ramadan.
Maria Ghanchi