Ramadan to begin in Saudi Arabia on Monday

The Ramadan crescent was not sighted in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening, hence Ramadan will begin on May 6 (Monday) and May 5 will be Shabaan 29.

The crescent - as predicted - is likely to be spotted on May 5 (Sunday).

Therefore, Ramadan will begin on May 6 in the UAE too, as per government policy, UAE follows Saudi's official announcement.

Moon observers in Saudi Arabia said that there was no sight of the Ramadan crescent on Saturday, Arab News reported.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court had called on its citizens and residents to inform the nearest court if they spot the Ramadan crescent with the naked eye or through binoculars on Saturday, May 4.

The Supreme Court had issued an online statement which read: "The ministry invites citizens and residents to explore the vision of the holy month of Ramadan for this year on Saturday Sha'ban 29, 1440 - May 4, 2019. If the moon was not visible then look for it on Sunday, Sha'ban 30, 1440 - May 5, 2019."

The court also urged people who spot the crescent to join the committees formed in the area for this purpose.

Bahrain's Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs had also convened a moon sighting panel on Saturday at the council's meeting hall to receive news and testimonies on seeing the crescent in Bahrain or other Islamic countries.

The council called in its statement on anyone who has information about seeing the crescent to contact immediately the panel.

Source: Khaleej Times