General

Several Arab and Islamic nations will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan today, while some will start their fast a day later. Saudi Arabia announced that the new moon of Ramadan was seen last night, meaning fasting begins today. Religious leaders in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti have stated that Wednesday will mark the first day of Ramadan. Iraq’s Sunni Endowment Diwan also confirmed that Ramadan will commence on Wednesday, with Iraqi Shiites joining in the celebration on the same day. Yemen’s Houthi group declared that fasting will start in their controlled areas on Wednesday as well. Additionally, Sunni Muslims in Lebanon will begin Ramadan on Wednesday, as stated by Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian. In contrast, Egypt will start its observance of Ramadan on Thursday, since the new moon was not visible on Tuesday night, according to the country’s mufti, Nazir Ayyad. Authorities in Jordan, Syria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Tunisia, and Malaysia also announced that the holy month will begin on Thursday. Muslims in Türkiye, Oman, Singapore, and Australia will also start fasting for Ramadan on Thursday, following confirmations based on astronomical calculations.