Ramadan begins in Saudi Arabia, first fast on Saturday

(Web Desk): Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it has sighted the crescent of the new lunar month, marking the start of Ramadan in the kingdom. People in Saudi Arabia will begin their first fast on Saturday.

Muslims around the world welcome Ramadan with enthusiasm and devotion. Over a billion Muslims will fast during this month, practicing patience and self-control, while also focusing on charity and helping others.

Islamic months are either 29 or 30 days long, and the start or end of each month depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. As a result, Ramadan does not fall on the same day every year.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Although the Islamic and Gregorian calendars both have 12 months, the Islamic calendar is about 10 days shorter because it is based on the lunar cycle. This is why Ramadan moves to different dates each year in the Gregorian calendar.