Sadrul Ain:
The moon of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. The country officially announced on Friday (December 28) that the moon of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted today. The first day of the holy month of Ramadan will be Saturday.
The country's moon-sighting committee made the announcement after urging citizens to sight the moon. Reports of moon sightings from several locations across the country have been reported to local courts.
Committees from different countries around the world are gathering to sight the moon of the holy month of Ramadan. Some other countries have already announced the dates of Ramadan.
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs said the moon for the month of Ramadan was sighted today, Friday (February 28). Fasting will begin on March 1.
The Australian Fatwa Council has announced that Muslims in the country will begin the holy month on March 1, based on astronomical calculations.
In addition, the Sultanate of Oman's Supreme Committee announced that the Ramadan moon has been sighted. March 1 will be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month for Muslims. For Muslims, who make up about a quarter of the world's population, the month is a special time for abstinence, religious reflection, increased prayer, charity, and community.
Throughout the month, they abstain from all forms of food and drink between dawn and sunset.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a core part of the religion. The other pillars are the declaration of faith, prayer, charity or zakat, and the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslims believe that fasting helps them strengthen their relationship with their Creator. They spend the month engaging in acts of worship such as praying, reciting the Quran, and giving charity.
Abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours allows Muslims to practice self-control and focus their energy on working on their faith. Fasting teaches Muslims to show compassion for the less 'fortunate' and to be more empathetic towards those in need.
