Muslim Nations Announce Start Of Ramadan On Monday

Ramadan is set to commence on Monday, as officially announced by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The significance of this announcement resonates deeply within the Islamic world, particularly as it coincides with a backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia, custodian of Islam’s most sacred sites, revealed through its official SPA news agency that the Supreme Court has designated Monday, March 11, 2024, as the commencement of the blessed month of Ramadan for this year. This pronouncement carries immense weight, given the nation’s central role in Islamic affairs.

Likewise, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have confirmed the start date for Ramadan through their respective official channels, following the sighting of the crescent moon. This tradition of moon observation holds significant cultural and religious importance in determining the beginning of Ramadan.

Iran, however, has slated the beginning of Ramadan for Tuesday, citing challenges in observing the crescent moon through its “Estehlal” office. This variance in start dates underscores the diverse approaches to moon sighting within the Muslim world.

In Saudi Arabia, initial uncertainty surrounded the start of Ramadan due to reports of obscured moon sightings attributed to cloudy weather and dust particles. However, final confirmation was provided by the Al Majmaah University Astronomical Observatory in Riyadh, ensuring clarity for observers across the region.

Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam, is one of the five pillars of the faith. Observant Muslims worldwide participate in fasting from dawn until dusk, refraining from food and drink. Evenings during Ramadan are marked by communal gatherings where families and friends come together to break their fast, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual reflection.

Additionally, Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual devotion, with Muslims congregating in mosques for prayers, especially during the evenings. However, this year’s observance is overshadowed by the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant loss of life, primarily among civilians. Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza, aimed at combating Hamas, have further escalated the humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, including many women and children.

Against this grim backdrop, hopes for a ceasefire before the start of Ramadan have been dashed. The ongoing conflict has drawn international concern, with the United Nations warning of an imminent famine in Gaza unless urgent action is taken to address the dire humanitarian situation.

Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, the commencement of Ramadan serves as a reminder of the resilience and faith of Muslim communities worldwide, who seek solace and spiritual renewal during this sacred month.

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