What's happened
Muslims worldwide are observing the start of Ramadan, with dates varying by country due to moon sighting methods. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other nations rely on visual sightings or astronomical calculations. Gaza faces hardships amid ongoing conflict, impacting Ramadan celebrations. The month emphasizes fasting, worship, and charity.
What's behind the headline?
The global observance of Ramadan this year highlights regional differences in moon sighting practices, with some countries relying on traditional visual methods and others on scientific calculations. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Indonesia have announced varying start dates, reflecting diverse approaches rooted in religious tradition and technological adoption. The conflict in Gaza profoundly affects local celebrations, with residents experiencing economic hardship and diminished communal joy, illustrating how geopolitical tensions directly impact religious observances. The reliance on moon sighting continues to serve as a cultural marker, but the integration of astronomy signals a shift towards modernization. This divergence in methods may influence future coordination among Muslim communities worldwide, potentially leading to more unified observance dates. The ongoing conflict underscores the importance of Ramadan as a time of reflection and resilience amid adversity, with some artists and residents using the month to express hope and solidarity despite hardships.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that regional authorities rely on moon sighting or astronomical calculations to determine Ramadan's start, with Saudi Arabia and Iran announcing different dates based on their methods. AP News highlights the impact of ongoing conflict in Gaza, where residents face economic hardship and diminished celebrations, emphasizing Ramadan's role as a period of resilience. The New Arab details the global diversity in moon sighting practices, with countries like Indonesia and Malaysia using official astronomical data to confirm the start. Al Jazeera provides context on the significance of Ramadan for nearly two billion Muslims worldwide, noting how conflicts and regional differences influence observance. Contrasting perspectives reveal that while some countries embrace scientific methods for consistency, others uphold traditional sighting practices, reflecting deep-rooted cultural and religious values.
How we got here
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the period when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, reflecting on faith, charity, and community. Its start depends on the sighting of the new moon, which varies across countries due to differing methods—visual sighting or astronomical calculations. The month commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and is observed globally with rituals, prayers, and social gatherings. Recent conflicts in Gaza and regional differences in moon sighting practices influence the timing and atmosphere of Ramadan this year.
Go deeper
Common question
-
When Does Ramadan Start in 2026? Key Dates and Traditions
Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection. But when exactly does Ramadan begin in 2026? The start date varies across regions due to differences in moon sighting and astronomical calculations. Understanding how these dates are determined and what traditions are observed can help you prepare for this sacred month. Below, we answer common questions about Ramadan's start date, regional differences, and customs.
More on these topics
-
Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
-
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
-
Eid al-Fitr, also called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
-
Muslims (Arabic: المسلمون, romanized: al-Muslimūn, lit. 'submitters [to God]') are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to b
-
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Located in a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the country shares land borders with the United Arab E