Muslims across the globe are preparing to begin the sacred month of Ramadan, which is set to commence on Saturday. This is the case for Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab countries and predominantly Sunni-majority nations, as stated by the Saudi Press Agency.

Additionally, countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, the Palestinian territories, Sudan, and Tunisia will all initiate their daytime fasting on Saturday. Moreover, Indonesia – the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country – will also commence its observance of Ramadan on Saturday, following the confirmation of the crescent moon sighting by Islamic astronomy observers in Aceh.

However, Iran, which has a Shiite-dominated population, has declared Sunday the first day of Ramadan. Morocco, predominantly a Sunni Muslim country, will begin observing the daytime fast on Sunday, as informed by its Islamic Affairs Ministry.

Ramadan is marked by Muslims abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activities during daylight hours, with an emphasis on charitable acts. The observance also entails refraining from gossip, fighting, or cursing. Preparations often involve purchasing new clothes and sweets for the pre-dawn and post-sundown meals, termed “iftar”. Furthermore, the practices and traditions observed during Ramadan can vary by country and region, with activities such as parades and cleaning graves being part of the celebrations in Indonesia. The essence of fasting is to remind believers of the plight of the underprivileged and to foster a deeper connection with God. This article was edited by Sean M. Sinico.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/muslims-across-the-world-set-to-begin-ramadan/a-71790968?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf