Ramadan Begins as Crescent Moon Sighted in Saudi Arabia Amid Conflicts and Challenges

On Sunday night, officials in Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for many of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims. This sacred month involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset and is a time for religious reflection, family gatherings, and giving.

Start of Fasting

Following the sighting of the crescent moon, Saudi state television reported that Monday would be the first day of the fast. Multiple Gulf Arab nations, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt also confirmed that they would begin fasting on Monday. Leaders from these nations shared messages of congratulations as the month of Ramadan commenced.

However, several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, will begin Ramadan on Tuesday as they did not see the crescent moon. Similarly, Oman, located on the easternmost edge of the Arabian Peninsula, announced that Ramadan would begin on Tuesday. Jordan will also start Ramadan on Tuesday.

Challenges and Concerns

This year's Ramadan comes at a time of heightened tensions, with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip casting a shadow over the start of the holy month. Saudi King Salman specifically addressed the conflict in his remarks following the Ramadan announcement, expressing concern for the suffering of Palestinians and calling on the international community to take action.

Additionally, inflation and high food prices, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to impact communities around the world, including in Saudi Arabia.

Moon-Sighting Methodologies and Observances

Notably, Ramadan operates on a lunar calendar, and moon-sighting methodologies can vary between countries, leading to different start dates for the holy month. While Sunni-dominated nations in the Middle East often follow the lead of Saudi Arabia, Iran, a leader of Islam's minority Shiite population, typically begins Ramadan a day after Sunnis start. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office announced that Ramadan would start on Tuesday.

Ramadan Traditions

During Ramadan, observant Muslims break their fast with a date and water, following the tradition established by the Prophet Muhammad. They then partake in "iftar," a large meal, and have a pre-dawn meal, or "suhoor," to sustain themselves during daylight hours. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and cycles through the seasons and Gregorian calendar months.

Concerns Amidst Conflict

While Ramadan is traditionally a time for avoiding conflict and focusing on acts of charity, the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip looms large over this year's observance. The war, which began with Hamas' attack on Israel, has resulted in a significant loss of life and intense suffering, with scenes of devastation and humanitarian need continuing to anger many in the Middle East and beyond.

International Involvement and Efforts

The U.S. has been pressuring Israel to allow more food into the Gaza Strip as Ramadan begins and has plans for a sea corridor with other partners to provide humanitarian aid. Efforts to reach a Ramadan cease-fire in Sudan and concerns about possible attacks by the Islamic State group during the holy month add further complexities and challenges.