The religious authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with other Middle East countries, announced their decision on sighting of the Ramadan moon on Tuesday evening. HaramainInfo, which is the social media account of KSA's main religious authority, has confirmed the sighting of crescent in the country's eastern provinces. The fasts will begin from Wednesday, it said.
Shortly thereafter, the UAE also confirmed the sighting of new moon, and the observance of Ramadan fasts from the subsequent day.
During the month of Ramadan, also referred to as Ramzan in the Indian subcontinent, fasting is obligatory for believing Muslims. The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.
As per the precedent, the month usually begins in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka a day after it starts in the Middle East. If the moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, UAE and neighbouring countries today, then it is expected to be sighted in the Indian subcontinent on Wednesday. Accordingly, the fasts in this part of the world will begin from Thursday.
The sighting of Ramadan crescent will also mark the start of Taraweeh prayers in the Middle East from this evening. The prayers, held over the next 27 days, are attended by scores of believers during the month. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the two biggest festivals observed by the Islamic world.
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