Fri Feb 28 15:19:58 UTC 2025: ## Ramadan Begins: Crescent Moon Sighting Confirms Start of Holy Month
**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia –** The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun for many Muslims worldwide, following the sighting of the crescent moon. Saudi Arabia announced the start of Ramadan 1446 on Saturday, March 1st, after the moon-sighting committee confirmed the sighting on Friday. However, the first day of fasting will be March 2nd in several other Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, as the crescent moon wasn’t sighted there until then.
This marks the beginning of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for approximately 1.9 billion Muslims – nearly a quarter of the global population. Indonesia boasts the largest Muslim population, with around 240 million adherents, followed by Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.
Muslims observe Ramadan as the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and the Hajj pilgrimage. Those observing the fast partake in a predawn meal (suhoor) and break their fast at sunset (iftar).
The sighting of the new moon is traditionally met with widespread greetings. Common phrases include “Ramadan Mubarak” (“blessed Ramadan”) and “Ramadan Kareem” (“generous Ramadan”), both in Arabic. Greetings also extend to sign language and Braille, adapting to diverse communities.
The start of Ramadan is a significant event for Muslims globally, signifying a time of spiritual renewal and strengthened community bonds.
First Piper 