Ramadan begins in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries as Pakistan awaits moon sighting decision

Ramadan beginning set for Thursday as moon sets before sun making Tuesday sighting impossible.

The holy month of Ramadan has begun in Saudi Arabia, several Gulf nations, and Afghanistan, with Muslims observing their first fast on Wednesday.

Thousands gathered at Islam’s holiest sites, including Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, for the first Taraweeh prayers, marking the start of the sacred month with worship and reflection.

A number of countries, including Iraq, Oman, Turkiye, Indonesia and Malaysia, are set to begin fasting on Thursday. In Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are also expected to mark the first day of Ramadan on Thursday, alongside countries such as Bangladesh, India and Australia.

In Pakistan, authorities are awaiting a final decision on the start of Ramadan following a meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Peshawar. Religious and meteorological experts have indicated a strong likelihood of crescent visibility, with an official announcement expected after deliberations conclude.

The start of Ramadan varies globally each year due to differences in moon sighting methods and time zones.

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