The crescent moon Sunday evening in the sky above Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, it marked the beginning of the holy month of fasting of Ramadan for many gods 1.8 billion of Muslims in the world.
The holy month, in which those who observe it They abstain from food and water from dawn to duskmarks a period of religious reflection, family reunions and donations throughout the Muslim world. Seeing the moon on Sunday evening means that Monday is the first day of fasting.
Saudi state television reported that authorities saw the crescent moon. Shortly after, several Gulf Arab nations, as well as Egypt, Sudan, Syria and Yemen followed the announcement to confirm that they too would begin fasting on Monday. Even American Muslims.
However, there are some Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, which will begin Ramadan on Tuesday after not seeing the crescent moon. Oman, on the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, also announced that Ramadan will begin on Tuesday. Ramadan will also begin in Jordan on Tuesday.
The shadow of war in Gaza
This year’s Ramadan comes at a time when the Middle East still inflamed by the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. This has raised fears that the conflict could spark unrest far beyond the current confines of the war.
Ramadan, the holy month that marks fasting from dawn to dusk, began on Monday. Photo: APSaudi King Salman specifically highlighted the war between Israel and Hamas in statements made public after the Ramadan announcement.
“While it saddens us that the month of Ramadan falls this year, in light of the attacks that our brothers in Palestine are suffering, we highlight the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities, put an end to these brutal crimes and provide safe humanitarian assistance. and relief runners“said the king.
US President Joe Biden also recognized the start of the holy month, stating that “Jill and I We extend our best wishes and prayers to Muslims across our country and around the world”, but also referred to the conflict in Gaza.
“As Muslims gather around the world in the coming days and weeks to break their fast, The suffering of the Palestinian people will be a priority for many. It’s something I’m very aware of,” Biden said.
Meanwhile, since the start of the pandemic, there has been high inflation and food prices around the world continue to influence.
In Saudi Arabia, the kingdom was inviting the public to watch the sky as early as Sunday evening in preparation for the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar and Moon sighting methodologies often vary from country to country, meaning some nations declare the start of the month earlier or later.
In Saudi Arabia, the kingdom invites the public to look at the sky as early as Sunday. Photo: Ariandi/AFPHowever, many Sunni-majority Middle Eastern nations follow Saudi Arabia’s lead, home to Mecca and its Kaaba in the shape of a cube towards which Muslims pray five times a day.
In Iran, which is considered the world leader of Islam’s Shiite minority, authorities generally begin Ramadan a day after Sunnis do. The office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already announced that Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, according to state news agency IRNA.
“This year Ramadan will coincide with Nowruz” said Robabeh Khodkameh, a Tehran resident, referring to the Persian New Year which begins on March 20. “Since ancient times we have the habit of carefully cleaning houses for the Nowruz and make everything look new. This year, since it is also Ramadan, we will also purify our hearts and use it as a new beginning for things.”
Which is Ramadan
During Ramadan, those who observe it They usually break the fast with a date and waterfollowing the tradition established by the prophet Muhammad. Then they can enjoy an “iftar” or a hearty meal.. They will eat before dawn, or “suhoor”to sustain yourself during the hours of the day.
During Ramadan, the fast is broken with a date and water, followed by a large meal. Photo: Aamir Qureshi/AFPRamadan It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; The month follows the seasons and months of the Gregorian calendar.
Muslims try to avoid conflict and focus on acts of charity during the holy month. However, war in the Gaza Strip looms large for many Muslims during Ramadan this year.
The war began on October 7 with the Hamas attack on Israel He killed around 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage.. Israel responded with the devastating war it has waged so far against the Gaza Strip the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians and an intense siege of the coastal enclave that cut off electricity, food and water.
Scenes of Palestinians praying in front of bombed-out mosques and chasing food thrown into the air by foreign nations continue to anger those living in the Middle East and around the world. The United States has been pressuring Israel, which relies on American military equipment and support, to allow more food at the start of Ramadan. Also plans a maritime corridor with other partners.
Restrictions in Jerusalem
War, as well as Israeli restrictions on Muslims praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque of Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam, could further inflame the militants’ anger. The site is also known as the Temple Mount, which Jews consider its most sacred place. Ramadan will also begin in the Palestinian territories on Monday.
Muslim worshipers enter a mosque in Baghdad. Photo: APThe ISIS group, which once had a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria, also launched attacks around Ramadan. Although now divided, the group sought to capitalize on the war between Israel and Hamas raise your profile.
The war also continues to devastate Sudan, despite efforts to try to reach a ceasefire during Ramadan.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.