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SAUDI OFFICIALS SAID THE MOON HAD BEEN SIGHTED DESPITE CLOUDS ACROSS THE HORIZON MAKING OBSERVATION DIFFICULT 16:50, 28 Feb 2025Updated 16:52, 28 Feb 2025 Saudi Arabia officials have
announced a Ramadan moonsighting. It will mean the first day of Ramadan 2025, when daily fasting must begin, is Saturday, March 1. Beams of coloured light were shone up into the evening sky
from the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower in Mecca to indicate the commencement of the holy month. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais, Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Hara, in Mecca, said:
"I congratulate you on entering the blessed month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, the month of fasting and prayer" READ MORE: A Saudi moonsighting had
earlier looked unlikely, with officials posting: "The cloud belt is currently present over the western, central, and eastern regions of the kingdom, making it difficult to sight the
Ramadan crescent moon. Article continues below "The Ramadan crescent has not been sighted at any observatories in the kingdom as of yet. Sudair: Cloudy skies. Tumair: Cloudy skies.
Shaqra: Cloudy skies." Around an hour later, it was announced that the moon had been seen. The declaration said: "The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore,
Ramadhan 1446 will begin tonight." Islamic days run from sunset to sunset so Ramadan will officially begin tonight (Friday, February 28) with the traditional Taraweeh prayers. The first
day of fasting will be on Saturday, March 1. This falls in line with the country's astronomical calendar predictions of a March 1 start for the holy month. Neighbouring countries
Qatar, UAE and Kuwait will also start Ramadan on March 1. The Saudi announcements are significant because they are also followed by some in the UK, including Green Lane Masjid and Community
Centre (GLMCC) in Birmingham. GLMCC organises the city's huge public gatherings for Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp. Join our dedicated
community for the most up-to-date news from across the city. Article continues below You can also sign up to our Brummie Muslims newsletter for the latest updates on Ramadan, Eid and key
dates throughout the Islamic calendar.
