Deborah Akinyosoye
Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the Kingdom.
The month of Ramadan is the ninth of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar.
The Saudi Royal Court said Taraweeh prayer will be held this evening at Masjid Bin Bāz after Easha Prayer.
Also, countries including Qatar, Oman officially announced that Ramadan would be observed on Saturday, March 1.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, is yet to announce the sighting of the crescent moon as of the time of filing this report.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered mandatory for all healthy Muslims.
However, young children, sick individuals, travellers, and women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating are exempted.
Muslims have followed the tradition of looking for the crescent moon for thousands of years to determine the start of Ramadan as well as the two major holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
During Ramadan, working hours for private and public employees and schoolchildren are typically reduced.