New Delhi: The Central Moon Sighting Committees in Saudi Arabia, UAE, other Muslim-majority nations along with Australia, UK, Phillipines could not sight the Ramadan crescent moon or Ramzan Chand tonight. Hence, fasts to begin from Thursday in these countries.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan, also known as Ramzan/Ramazan/Ramzaan is one of the five pillars of Islam during which they abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, evil thoughts and action and having marital relations from dawn until sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar that takes place for 720 hours i.e. four weeks and two days during which the followers of Islam fast between dawn and sunset, pray for peace and guidance, give back to the community in the form of charity or zakaat or engaging in humanitarian activities such as feeding the underprivileged and introspect to enlighten their souls.
The crescent moon of Ramadan 2023 is expected to be sighted in some parts of the world tonight i.e. March 21 with Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK and Australia gearing up to mark the first fast of Ramadan 2023 tomorrow, March 22. Ramadan, also known as Ramazan or Ramzan or Ramzaan, may begin in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian countries a day later i.e. from the evening of March 23 or 24, Ramadan 1444 AH when the first fast will be observed depending upon the sighting of the crescent moon.
The fasting date changes yearly because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle hence, its starting and end date depends upon the sighting of the crescent moon. Usually, the crescent of Ramadan is first sighted in Saudi Arabia and some parts of India along with some Western countries and then usually a day later in the rest of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries.

Press Trust of India