Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, will commence in the UAE on Monday, as announced by authorities following the sighting of the new crescent moon by the Moon-sighting committee.

The committee convened at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department after maghrib (sunset) prayers on Sunday and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the official start of Ramadan.

This announcement aligns with the decision made by Saudi Arabia, where the crescent moon was also sighted, indicating the commencement of Ramadan on Monday in both countries.

During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide, totaling over 1.9 billion, observe fasting from sunrise to sunset as a religious obligation. It is a sacred month commemorating the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory for all Muslims in good health, and serves as a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to worship.

The determination of the start date of Ramadan varies by country and is dependent on the sighting of the crescent moon by the respective Moon-sighting committees. In the UAE, Moon-sighting attempts are conducted nationwide, with reports collected and analyzed by the committee.

The final decision regarding the start of Ramadan is made by the Moon-sighting committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, taking into account all reports received from across the country.

As Ramadan commences, Muslims in the UAE and around the world prepare to observe this sacred month with fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, embracing the spiritual significance and communal bonds fostered during this auspicious time.