Most Sunni-majority Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan will begin Ramadan on Saturday, following the crescent moon sighting on Friday, according to AFP. The decision aligns with most religious authorities across the Gulf and North Africa, marking the start of the month-long daytime fast observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
However, Shiite-majority Iran and Iraq will commence Ramadan on Sunday, based on rulings from their top clerics. In the Maghreb, Morocco – at the far western edge of the Arab world –has also set Sunday as the start date, reflecting its independent moon sighting tradition. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the Sunni grand mufti confirmed a Saturday start.
Ramadan, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a period of fasting, prayer, and charity. The variation in start dates underscores differing religious interpretations and astronomical calculations, a recurring feature of Islamic calendar observances across the Middle East and North Africa.
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