The crescent Moon, which signals the start of the holy month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was sighted in India as well as in Pakistan, therefore, the fasting for the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday (March 12).&nbsp; 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday wished everyone a blessed Ramzam and prayed for everyone’s good health and prosperity.

In Pakistan,&nbsp;the announcement was made by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad on Monday evening (March 11).

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. Islamic months last 29 or 30 days depending on when the Moon is sighted.&nbsp;

<h2>Moon sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday</h2>

Apart from the UAE, the crescent Moon was also seen in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, following which the month of fasting started&nbsp;on Monday. Saudi state television reported authorities there saw the crescent moon. Soon after, Gulf Arab nations largely followed the announcement to confirm they as well would start fasting on Monday.

World leaders also shared messages extending wishes to the Muslims across the world celebrating.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official X account and wrote, "Wishing everyone a blessed Ramzan. May this holy month bring joy, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives."

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Wishing everyone a blessed Ramzan. May this holy month bring joy, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1767200419997000145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden also shared a post on social media which said, "Tonight – as the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – Jill and I extend our best wishes and prayers to Muslims across our country and around the world."

The US president also shared his views on Gaza amid the holy month stating, “As Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many.”

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Tonight – as the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – Jill and I extend our best wishes and prayers to Muslims across our country and around the world. <a href="https://t.co/oLC4Rmq0mA">pic.twitter.com/oLC4Rmq0mA</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1767019764814119390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-muslims-in-times-square-hold-prayer-vigil-show-solidarity-with-gaza-698908">Also read: Ramadan begins: Muslims in Times Square hold prayer vigil, show solidarity with Gaza</a>

<h2>Ramadan&nbsp;</h2>

Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and gather with family and friends to break the fast in the evening. It is also a month of prayers during which Muslims traditionally converge in large numbers at mosques, especially at night.

"Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people &amp; children, are exempt from fasting," the Islamic Networks Group (ING)'s website states.

"Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. Ramadan entails forgoing food and drink, and if married, abstaining from sex during sunlit hours. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to train themselves both physically and spiritually by avoiding any negative acts such as gossiping, backbiting, lying, or arguing," it adds.

(With inputs from agencies)

The crescent Moon, which signals the start of the holy month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was sighted in India as well as in Pakistan, therefore, the fasting for the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday (March 12).

The crescent Moon, which signals the start of the holy month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was sighted in India as well as in Pakistan, therefore, the fasting for the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday (March 12). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday wished everyone a blessed Ramzam and prayed for everyone’s good health and prosperity. In Pakistan, the announcement was made by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad on Monday evening (March 11). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. Islamic months last 29 or 30 days depending on when the Moon is sighted. Moon sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday Apart from the UAE, the crescent Moon was also seen in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, following which the month of fasting started on Monday. Saudi state television reported authorities there saw the crescent moon. Soon after, Gulf Arab nations largely followed the announcement to confirm they as well would start fasting on Monday. World leaders also shared messages extending wishes to the Muslims across the world celebrating. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official X account and wrote, "Wishing everyone a blessed Ramzan. May this holy month bring joy, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives." Wishing everyone a blessed Ramzan. May this holy month bring joy, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2024 × United States President Joe Biden also shared a post on social media which said, "Tonight – as the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – Jill and I extend our best wishes and prayers to Muslims across our country and around the world." The US president also shared his views on Gaza amid the holy month stating, “As Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many.” Tonight – as the new crescent moon marks the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – Jill and I extend our best wishes and prayers to Muslims across our country and around the world. pic.twitter.com/oLC4Rmq0mA — President Biden (@POTUS) March 11, 2024 × Also read: Ramadan begins: Muslims in Times Square hold prayer vigil, show solidarity with Gaza Ramadan Observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan and gather with family and friends to break the fast in the evening. It is also a month of prayers during which Muslims traditionally converge in large numbers at mosques, especially at night. "Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people & children, are exempt from fasting," the Islamic Networks Group (ING)'s website states. "Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. Ramadan entails forgoing food and drink, and if married, abstaining from sex during sunlit hours. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to train themselves both physically and spiritually by avoiding any negative acts such as gossiping, backbiting, lying, or arguing," it adds. (With inputs from agencies)

Ramadan 2024: Crescent moon sighted in India and Pakistan

India on Sunday (Mar 10) signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi. India will now lift most import tariffs on industrial products from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Sunday that Monday (Mar 11) will be the first day of Ramadan. The UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

In other news from around the world, Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday as the 14th president of Pakistan.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seals-free-trade-agreement-with-four-nation-european-bloc-698498">India seals free trade agreement with four-nation European bloc</a>

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India signed a free trade pact with&nbsp;the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar&nbsp;10). Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-uae-declares-march-11-as-first-day-of-ramadan-this-year-698663">UAE declares March 11 as first day of Ramadan this year</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417538-untitled-design-5.png?imwidth=400" />

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. According to a report by the Khaleej Times, the UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asif-ali-zardari-sworn-in-as-pakistans-president-for-record-second-time-698634">Asif Ali Zardari sworn-in as Pakistan’s president for record second time</a>

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Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday (March 10) as the 14th president of the South Asian country. Zardari, backed by Pakistan Peoples' Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) secured 411 votes against 181 votes secured by Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-president-isaac-herzog-attends-opening-of-holocaust-museum-in-amsterdam-amid-pro-palestinian-protests-698653">Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends opening of Holocaust museum in Amsterdam amid pro-Palestine protests</a>

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday (March 10) attended the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam even as pro-Palestine protesters staged demonstrations in the country demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-couple-arrested-after-2-dead-babies-discovered-in-glass-bottles-in-flat-698640">Hong Kong: Couple arrested after 2 dead babies discovered in glass bottles in flat</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/18/412862-police-car.png?imwidth=400" />

In Hong Kong, two babies were discovered inside glass jars by a cleaning person in the main room of a vacant flat. A report by the South China Morning Post mentioned police as saying on Sunday that both children lacked birth records, and preliminary autopsies failed to confirm the time and cause of death.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-find-cocaine-and-heroin-hidden-inside-passengers-guts-in-saudi-arabia-698563">Saudi Arabia customs officials find cocaine and heroin hidden in passengers’ guts</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417482-pic-10.png?imwidth=400" />

The customs authorities in Saudi Arabia said that they were able to stop many air passengers from smuggling cocaine and heroin they had hidden in&nbsp;their guts.&nbsp;This is not the first time that such bizarre attempts have been made by passengers to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctors-accused-of-harvesting-organs-of-death-row-inmates-attended-oxford-universitys-sessions-698610">Chinese doctors accused of harvesting organs of death row inmates attended Oxford University’s sessions</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417508-untitled-design-2024-03-10t173518561.png?imwidth=400" />

Oxford University has been accused of holding training programmes that were attended by Chinese transplant doctors facing serious allegations of illegally harvesting human organs, The Telegraph reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-man-falls-into-40-feet-borewell-multi-agency-rescue-operation-underway-amid-suspected-foul-play-698538">Delhi man dies after falling into 40-foot borewell</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417468-untitled-design-2024-03-10t140706794.png?imwidth=400" />

In a tragedy that has set the ball of suspected foul play rolling in the Indian capital, a person previously thought to be a child died after falling into a 40-foot-deep borewell inside a water plant near Keshopur Mandi on the western side of Delhi on Sunday (March 10). The development was confirmed by Delhi Minister Atishi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-kolkata-knight-riders-bring-in-phil-salt-to-replace-jason-roy-698650">IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders bring in Phil Salt to replace Jason Roy</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417529-ipl-2024-kolkata-knight-riders-bring-in-phil-salt-to-replace-jason-roy.jpg?imwidth=400" />

&nbsp;

Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in England opener Phil Salt to replace his compatriot Jason Roy in the squad for IPL 2024. Roy pulled out of the upcoming season for ‘personal reasons’. Salt, who played for Delhi Capitals (DC) last season, will walk in as his replacement at the top, providing former winners with a keeper’s option also.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/first-photo-of-kate-middleton-with-kids-released-post-surgery-thanks-public-for-support-698628">Kate Middleton shares first photo with kids post surgery, thanks public for support</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417512-happy-30th-birthday-2024-03-10t180001100.png?imwidth=400" />

On the occasion of UK Mother's Day, the first photo of Kate Middleton&nbsp;with her kids has been&nbsp;released. This is the Princess of Wales' first picture&nbsp;since her abdominal surgery in January and speculations regarding her health.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Sunday (Mar 10) signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi. India will now lift most import tariffs on industrial products from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years.

India on Sunday (Mar 10) signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi. India will now lift most import tariffs on industrial products from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in return for investment of $100 billion over 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Sunday that Monday (Mar 11) will be the first day of Ramadan. The UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening. In other news from around the world, Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday as the 14th president of Pakistan. Click on the headlines to read more: India seals free trade agreement with four-nation European bloc India signed a free trade pact with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 10). Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the deal as a 'watershed moment' for India, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. UAE declares March 11 as first day of Ramadan this year The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. According to a report by the Khaleej Times, the UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening. Asif Ali Zardari sworn-in as Pakistan’s president for record second time Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former assassinated Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, took oath on Sunday (March 10) as the 14th president of the South Asian country. Zardari, backed by Pakistan Peoples' Party and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) secured 411 votes against 181 votes secured by Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Israeli President Isaac Herzog attends opening of Holocaust museum in Amsterdam amid pro-Palestine protests Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday (March 10) attended the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam even as pro-Palestine protesters staged demonstrations in the country demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Hong Kong: Couple arrested after 2 dead babies discovered in glass bottles in flat In Hong Kong, two babies were discovered inside glass jars by a cleaning person in the main room of a vacant flat. A report by the South China Morning Post mentioned police as saying on Sunday that both children lacked birth records, and preliminary autopsies failed to confirm the time and cause of death. Saudi Arabia customs officials find cocaine and heroin hidden in passengers’ guts The customs authorities in Saudi Arabia said that they were able to stop many air passengers from smuggling cocaine and heroin they had hidden in their guts. This is not the first time that such bizarre attempts have been made by passengers to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia. Chinese doctors accused of harvesting organs of death row inmates attended Oxford University’s sessions Oxford University has been accused of holding training programmes that were attended by Chinese transplant doctors facing serious allegations of illegally harvesting human organs, The Telegraph reported. Delhi man dies after falling into 40-foot borewell In a tragedy that has set the ball of suspected foul play rolling in the Indian capital, a person previously thought to be a child died after falling into a 40-foot-deep borewell inside a water plant near Keshopur Mandi on the western side of Delhi on Sunday (March 10). The development was confirmed by Delhi Minister Atishi. IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders bring in Phil Salt to replace Jason Roy Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in England opener Phil Salt to replace his compatriot Jason Roy in the squad for IPL 2024. Roy pulled out of the upcoming season for ‘personal reasons’. Salt, who played for Delhi Capitals (DC) last season, will walk in as his replacement at the top, providing former winners with a keeper’s option also. Kate Middleton shares first photo with kids post surgery, thanks public for support On the occasion of UK Mother's Day, the first photo of Kate Middleton with her kids has been released. This is the Princess of Wales' first picture since her abdominal surgery in January and speculations regarding her health.

Top 10 world news: India seals FTA with four-nation European bloc, and more

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. According to a report by the Khaleej Times, the UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared Monday (Mar 11) as the first day of Ramadan this year. According to a report by the Khaleej Times, the UAE's Moon-sighting committee said on Sunday that the crescent Moon — which signals the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar — was spotted on Sunday evening. Temperatures have come down in the country due to heavy rainfall over the weekend. The report said that this Ramadan would be pleasant with the weather in the UAE from March-April being warm to hot. Islamic months last 29 or 30 days depending on when the Moon is sighted. The report added that since the Moon was spotted on Sunday evening, the month that precedes Ramadan in the Hijri calendar — Sha'ban — ended at 29 days. Ramadan 1, therefore, is on March 11. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. According to the Islamic Networks Group (ING), in Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. "Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers. Those unable to fast, such as pregnant or nursing women, the sick, or elderly people & children, are exempt from fasting," ING's website states. "Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. Ramadan entails forgoing food and drink, and if married, abstaining from sex during sunlit hours. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to train themselves both physically and spiritually by avoiding any negative acts such as gossiping, backbiting, lying, or arguing," it adds. Ramadan crescent Moon seen in Saudi Arabia Apart from the UAE, the crescent Moon was also seen in Saudi Arabia, which means the month of fasting starts on Monday. Saudi state television reported authorities there saw the crescent moon. Soon after, Gulf Arab nations largely followed the announcement to confirm they as well would start fasting on Monday. Leaders also shared messages of congratulations the month had begun. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, there are some Asia-Pacific countries like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, that will begin Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to see the crescent moon. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE declares March 11 as the first day of Ramadan this year

Ramadan, one of the most significant months for Muslims, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is visible or will be visible.

Ramadan, one of the most significant months for Muslims, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is visible or will be visible. When is Ramadan 2024 in India? According to reports, Ramadan 2024 is likely to start in India on March 11 following the sighting of the Moon in Mecca, and it will end on April 9. The expected date of Eid-al-Fitar is April 10 or 11, depending on the Moon sightings. What is the Significance of Ramadan? In Arabic, Ramadan means intense heat. In pre-Islamic Arabia, Ramadan was the scorching hot summer month. However, Ramadan dates vary in Islamic calendar years, as an Islamic year is roughly 11 days shorter than a Gregorian year. For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of fasting and spiritual growth. It is one of the five "pillars of Islam." The others are the declaration of faith, daily prayers, alms-giving and the pilgrimage to Mecca. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset each day of the month. Some people also perform additional prayers, especially at night, and attempt to recite the entire Quran, the holy book of Muslims. They believe it was during the final 10 nights of Ramadan that God revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. According to Muslim belief, people can reflect on the purpose of life during Ramadan by abstaining from things they usually take for granted. Many people also believe fasting allows them to foster feelings of empathy towards the impoverished. When is Eid-al-Fitr celebrated? The completion of Ramadan marks the start of Eid-al-Fitr or "the festival of breaking the fast." On this day, Muslims attend religious services, visit their friends and relatives and exchange gifts. What is Roza? Roza refers to the fasting from dawn to sundown. It is difficult for anyone to observe a fast without food or drink during the sweltering heat, but this fast's unique quality is that it fortifies their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They refrain from eating food and consuming water during the day. What is Sehri? Sehri means to get up early in the morning, before the sun rises, and eat whatever they want during Sehri time. They are allowed to eat food, drink, and whatever else that will give them the energy to keep Roza all day during this period. What is Iftar? Iftar is the time when Muslims break their fast with food and water, gathering with family, friends and relatives at sunset. (With inputs from agencies)

When is Ramadan 2024 in India? Know the dates, significance and more

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Ramadan 2024: Crescent moon sighted in India and Pakistan

Top 10 world news: India seals FTA with four-nation European bloc, and more

UAE declares March 11 as the first day of Ramadan this year

When is Ramadan 2024 in India? Know the dates, significance and more