Saudi Arabia announces start of Ramadan after sighting moon

Saudi Arabia and some other Muslim-majority nations, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, declared that the holy month of Ramadan — when the faithful observe a dawn-to-dusk fast — would begin on Friday, based on a moon-sighting methodology.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic has cut off the world's 1.8 billion Muslims from their cherished Ramadan rituals as health officials battle to ward off new infections during Islam's holiest month, when large gatherings and family celebrations are a tradition.

The Saudi statement came on the kingdom's state-run Saudi Press Agency while the Emiratis made the announcement through their state-run WAM news agency.

Oman said the fasting month will begin on Saturday as the sultanate's religious authority did not sight the crescent moon on Thursday evening. In Iran, Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday as well.

Muslims follow a lunar calendar, and a moon-sighting methodology can lead to different countries declaring the start of Ramadan a day or two apart.

The Ramadan fast, in which food and water are prohibited during daylight hours, is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and remind them of those less fortunate. While fasting, Muslims must also abstain from sex, gossip and cursing. The faithful are encouraged to spend time in contemplation, prayer, reading the Quran and charity during the day.