TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world are preparing to fast for the holy month of Ramadan after Saudi astronomers sighted the new moon on Tuesday evening.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise until sunset, breaking their fast with an iftar meal afterwards.
The month represents a time of increased worship, religious reflection and charity, but it is also a time for families and communities to come together to break their fast, culminating in the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
However, countries differ on the exact start date, with some expecting Ramadan to begin on Wednesday and others on Thursday.
Saudis announce new moon