Ramadan Begins Amid Israel-Hamas War And Global Challenges

A member of staff uses a telescope to search the sky for the new moon that signals the start of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the Astronomical Observatory of the Muhammadiyah Universit

Officials in Saudi Arabia spotted the crescent moon on Sunday night, signaling the start of the holy month of Ramadan for a significant portion of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims. Ramadan is a sacred time of fasting, reflection, family gatherings, and charitable giving observed by Muslims worldwide.

Following the moon sighting, Saudi Arabia, along with several Gulf Arab nations, Iraq, Syria, and Egypt, announced that Monday would mark the first day of fasting. Leaders in these countries extended messages of congratulations to mark the beginning of Ramadan.