Ramadan To Begin From Monday (March 11) In Saudi Arabia
According to Saudi Arabia officials, Monday (March 11, 2024) will be the beginning of this year’s Ramadan. This announcement was made by the Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court of religious affairs on Sunday evening.
“The Supreme Court decides that tomorrow, Monday, March 11, 2024 is the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan,” the Supreme Court was quoted by the official handle of Mecca region, and according to reports, the crescent moon was sited on Sunday evening in two areas; in Sudair and in Al-Hariq.
Meanwhile, reports emerging from parts of India said that the crescent moon was not sighted and the fasting will begin from Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Religious heads in Kerala have said the first day of Ramadan will be Tuesday.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred time observed by Muslims worldwide. It”s a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Muslims believe that during Ramadan, the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, mandatory for all adult Muslims, with exceptions for those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, nursing, menstruating, or traveling. The fast begins at dawn (suhoor) and ends at sunset (iftar). During daylight hours, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity.
In addition to fasting, Muslims engage in increased prayer and devotion during Ramadan. They strive to read and recite the Quran, attend special nightly prayers called Taraweeh, and seek forgiveness for past sins. The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), which falls within the last ten days of Ramadan, holds immense significance. Muslims believe that on this night, the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad, and prayers offered during this time are believed to be particularly powerful.
Ramadan is also a time of heightened charity and community. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need, through acts of charity known as Zakat and Sadaqah. Sharing meals, especially the predawn meal (suhoor) and the evening meal (iftar), is common among families and communities, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.
The Supreme Court declares that tomorrow, Monday, March 11, 2024 start of #Ramadan of this year 1445 AH. https://t.co/8dKPFP9AeB
— Ministry of Islamic Affairs 🇸🇦 (@Saudi_MoiaEN) March 10, 2024
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival marking the conclusion of fasting. It”s a time of gratitude, feasting, prayer, and giving thanks to Allah for the strength and guidance received during Ramadan.
Saudi’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has recently asked imams (those who lead prayers in mosques) and muezzins (technically the person appointed to recite the call to prayer, however acts as an assistant to the imam in various responsibilities) in various regions of the Kingdom not to collect financial donations for Iftar projects for fasting people and other projects.
أمير منطقة مكة #خالد_الفيصل
يرفع التهنئة للقيادة الرشيدة
بمناسبة حلول شهر #رمضان المبارك pic.twitter.com/KHgiVvvhZP— إمارة منطقة مكة المكرمة (@makkahregion) March 10, 2024
The instructions, which are released in the last week of February by the Ministry, also said the Iftar projects should not be carried out inside mosques out of concern for their cleanliness, so the appropriate place should be prepared for this in the courtyards of mosques, without creating any temporary rooms or tents or the like for this purpose. The authorities also said the Iftar should be held under the responsibility of imams and the muezzins, with the obligation of the one who prepares Iftar to clean the place immediately after finishing the breakfast.
The ministry has also asked all the employees of mosques, including imams and muezzins, to be regular in attendance at their work and not to be absent during the month of Ramadan. It also stressed not to use cameras in mosques to photograph the imam and worshipers during the performance of prayers, which affects the worshipers’ reverence, as well as not to broadcast prayers in media.
In Saudi Arabia, the operations of mosques, including their maintenance, staff salaries, and various activities, are typically funded by the government. The Saudi government oversees religious affairs in the country and allocates resources for the functioning of mosques.
