Moon sighted in Saudi Arabia, Monday is the first day of Ramadan

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Saudi media announced that Monday is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia saw the crescent moon on Sunday night, home to the holiest sites in Islam, marking the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan for many of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims.

The sacred month, which sees those observing abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset, marks a period of religious reflection, family get-togethers and giving across the Muslim world. Seeing the moon Sunday night means Monday is the first day of the fast.

Saudi state television reported authorities there saw the crescent moon.

However, there are some Asian countries, like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, that will begin Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to see the crescent moon.