Saudi Arabia Adopts Scientific System, Abandons Traditional Moon Sighting: First Fast on March 1st

Riyadh (NNI) – Saudi Arabia has announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on March 1, shifting from the traditional moon sighting method to a scientific approach.Astronomers have predicted that the birth of the Ramadan moon will occur on Friday, February 28, at 3:44 AM.It is worth noting that Sheikh Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Manea, advisor to the Saudi Royal Court and a member of the Saudi Scholars Board, stated that according to astronomical calculations, the first fast in Saudi Arabia will be on March 1. However, the final announcement will be made by the Saudi Supreme Court.Based on astronomical calculations, Ramadan this year will last 29 days, with the last fast on March 29, and Eid-ul-Fitr expected to be on March 30 in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. In Pakistan, February 28 will mark the 29th of Sha’ban, and the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold a meeting to decide on the moon sighting. If Sha’ban lasts 29 days, Ramadan will commence on March 1 in Pakistan; however, if Sha’ban extends to 30 days, Ramadan will begin in March.