The holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar 1445 will begin on Monday, March 11, 2024, with the sighting of the Crescent Moon in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Muslim faithful around the world were placed on alert to report the sighting of the moon in readiness for the sacred month considered for piety and sacrifice in the Islamic world.
In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saa’d Abubakar III, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) had also charged faithful to be on the lookout for the moon.
The sighting of the moon on Sunday signals the kickoff of the Ramadhān period from midnight with taraweeh prayers after Isha’i prayer.
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Saudi Arabia announced the start of the holy month of Ramadan from Monday, March 11, following the sighting of the crescent by the moon-sighting committee.
According to the Saudi Supreme Court, the crescent was spotted on Sunday (March 10) evening, which also marks the last day of the Islamic month of Sha’ban.
In an earlier report, TheLeadng detailed some general dos during Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is considered the holiest month in Islam and commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Suhoor) until sunset (Iftar), abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for adult Muslims, with certain exceptions such as illness, pregnancy, menstruation, or travel.
The fast is broken each evening with the Iftar meal, often beginning with dates and water, followed by a larger meal with family and community members. Before dawn, Muslims eat a pre-fast meal called Suhoor to sustain themselves throughout the day.
