Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon in the Kingdom.
With this confirmation, more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will observe the sacred month by fasting daily from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, consists of 12 months in a 354- or 355-day year.
Fasting during this period is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims.
However, exemptions are granted to young children, individuals who are ill, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
For centuries, Muslims have relied on moon sighting to mark the beginning of Ramadan and the two major Islamic celebrations, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. (Vanguard)