Ramadan 2024: Which States Mark 1st Day on Monday?

IQNA – Several countries have announced Monday, March 11, as the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan this year, while others will mark the day on Tuesday.

The lunar calendar, which guides the observance of Ramadan, results in varying start dates across countries due to different moon-sighting methodologies.

This year, the onset of Ramadan is overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia, along with several other Perisan Gulf Arab nations and countries like Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, began fasting on Monday.

In contrast, some nations in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as Oman and Jordan, will commence on Tuesday after not observing the crescent moon.

Iran will start Ramadan on Tuesday as the office of Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei confirmed the date after “Istihlal” teams failed to see the crescent on Sunday.

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to deepen their faith, abstain from food and water from dawn until dusk, and engage in family gatherings and acts of charity.

However, the Israeli war on Gaza casts a shadow over this year's observance, with many Muslims affected by the violence and displacement.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with at least 31,000 people killed and more than 72,000 injured in the Israeli strikes since October 7 amid concerns of an extensive famine.

Tensions may also escalate due to restrictions on Muslim prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied al-Quds.

Source: Agencies