Saudi Arabia urges citizens to sight Ramadan moon on Feb 28

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called for the sighting of Ramadan crescent in the kingdom on Friday evening (February 28) to mark the commencement of the holy month, according to Saudi Gazette.

"The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sees it [moon] with the naked eye or through binoculars informs the nearest court and registers their testimony, or contacts the nearest centre to assist them in reaching the nearest court," the Saudi authorities said in its statement.

It further added that it "hopes that anyone who has the ability to sight it will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the regions for this purpose, and count the reward and recompense for participating."

The moon sighting is considered to be an "act of righteousness and piety" which "benefits all Muslims", the court further stated.

In the UAE, the country's International Astronomy Centre said Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1, according to Khaleej Times.

Meanwhile in Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is set to meet in Peshawar for the sighting of Ramadan moon on the evening of February 28 (Friday). If the crescent is sighted, the holy month of fasting will begin on March 1 (Saturday).

The committee's chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, will preside over the meeting, which will commence after the Asr prayer.