RIYADH/ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that the Ramadan crescent has been sighted, officially marking the beginning of the holy month of fasting from Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s moon sighting committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday afternoon in Peshawar to confirm the start of Ramadan.
Saudi authorities and the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia urged Muslims to observe the evening sky after sunset for the new moon, which signifies the 29th day of Shaban in the Islamic lunar calendar. Once the crescent is confirmed, the first day of fasting will commence on Wednesday, February 18.
The Ramadan crescent has also been sighted in the United Arab Emirates, with local media reporting that fasting will begin on Wednesday. In addition, regions such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are expected to observe the start of Ramadan on February 19, based on regional reports.
The timing of Ramadan’s start is keenly watched across the Muslim world, as the month-long period of dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection is traditionally determined by the visual sighting of the new moon.
Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which officially confirms the start date locally, will convene in Peshawar to review testimonies from observers. The committee’s decision will determine whether the first day of Ramadan falls on Thursday, February 19.
Forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission indicate favorable conditions for moon sighting on the evening of February 18, supporting predictions that Ramadan will begin on February 19 in Pakistan.
Many other Muslim-majority countries, including the UAE, Turkey, and various nations across Asia and Africa, are also anticipating the start of Ramadan around the same dates. Most are expecting February 19 to be the first fasting day based on astronomical data and early moon observations.
This annual declaration holds deep cultural and religious importance, as Muslims worldwide prepare to observe a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual growth.
