Saudi Arabia, along with most other Sunni-majority Arab countries, will commence the sacred month of Ramadan this Saturday. Contrastingly, Iran and Iraq—two predominantly Shiite nations—have declared that their observance will begin a day later, on Sunday.
The arrival of Ramadan, one of Islam’s holiest months, is traditionally determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Saudi Arabia, the custodian of Islam’s two essential pilgrimage cities, Mecca and Medina, confirmed through its Supreme Court that the lunar crescent was observed on Friday evening. A statement from the Saudi Press Agency verified, “The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Saturday, will be the first day of Ramadan.” Neighboring countries in the Gulf region promptly joined Saudi Arabia’s announcement.
Nations such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, the Palestinian territories, Sudan, and Tunisia have also confirmed they will start fasting in alignment with Saudi Arabia, making Saturday their official first day.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with Iraq’s highest Shia authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, placed the commencement of Ramadan a day later, stating that the holy month begins on Sunday for their communities. Morocco, interestingly stands apart from many other Sunni nations, also choosing Sunday as the beginning of Ramadan, according to its Islamic Affairs Ministry.
In Lebanon—a country known for its religious and sectarian diversity—the Grand Mufti announced that Sunnis would kick off Ramadan on Saturday, according to state news sources.
Ramadan, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Followers abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activities throughout the daylight hours and are encouraged to practice generosity by giving charity to those in need.