According to the UAE’s International Astronomy Centre (IAC), most Muslims around the world are likely to begin fasting on Saturday, March 1, as the Ramadan crescent is expected to be clearly visible the night before. Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, stated that the crescent may be seen through telescopes in some Islamic regions and with the naked eye across large parts of the Americas.
Since the conjunction will take place before sunset and the moon will set after sunset in all Islamic regions, it is anticipated that the holy month of Ramadan will commence in most countries on March 1. Islamic months vary between 29 and 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent. On February 28, the 29th day of Shaaban, official moon-sighting committees will gather to confirm the start of Ramadan. If the crescent is visible, fasting will begin the next day.
