Sat Mar 01 11:39:04 UTC 2025: ## Ramadan Begins Across the Globe, Millions Embark on Holy Month of Fasting

**RIYADH/JERUSALEM/JAKARTA** – Hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide have begun observing Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, marking a significant event in the Islamic calendar. The start date varied slightly across regions, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, announced the commencement of Ramadan on Saturday after the moon was sighted. Several other Middle Eastern nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, and Tunisia, followed suit. The Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank also began observing the fast on Saturday. However, Iran and Iraq, predominantly Shia Muslim countries, along with Morocco, began Ramadan on Sunday. Similarly, Pakistan and India await moon sightings on Saturday evening, with fasting expected to commence on Sunday. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, began Ramadan on Saturday, while neighboring countries like Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines will observe the fast from Sunday.

Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires believers to abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours. The period is also characterized by increased prayer, charitable giving, and reflection.

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