Saudi Arabia confirms Ramadan to begin on March 1 after moon sighting

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1, after the Ramadan crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom.

With the confirmation, more than 1.8 billion Muslims across the world will begin fasting from sunrise to sunset each day.

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Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which consists of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims. However, young children, sick individuals, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are exempt.

Muslims have followed the tradition of looking for the crescent moon for thousands of years to determine the start of Ramadan as well as the two major holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

During Ramadan, working hours for private and public employees and schoolchildren are typically reduced.

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