Rabat: Dr Ibrahimi Al-Jarwan, who is a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, declared that the beginning of the holy months of Muslims “Ramadan” in Saudi Arabia is all set to take place on Saturday, April 2, 2022. 

According to Al-Jarwan that most of the countries of Arabic and Islamic nations will likely to start “Ramadan on this date. 

However, they extended the limit of fasting, and now it is 14 hours, starting with 13 hours and 40 minutes and reaching 14 hours and 20 minutes at the end of Ramadan, Al-Jarwan added. 

According to Al-Jarwan, Ramadan 2022-1443 in Saudi Arabia is expected to last 30 days until May 1, which means that the Eid Al Fitr would most likely fall on Monday, May 2, 2022.

According to the research of the ‘International Astronomy Center,’ the date when the crescent moon indicates the beginning of Ramadan will likely be seen in most countries would be on Friday, April 1, 2022. 

When Muslims fast during Ramadan, they do fast from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, people have Iftarm, also called a festive meal, to break the fast. 

Same with the other Muslim countries, life generally slows down in Saudi Arabia, especially during the time of Ramadan, as the hours of schooling and working are reduced by two or three hours.

Many Saudis welcome a night lifestyle by shifting their schedule to sleep through the day and work through the night.

Most supermarkets, malls, shops, and restaurants in Saudi Arabia close down during daylight hours. 

As sunset approaches, mosques are loaded with people sitting in lines facing food spreads.

As the call to prayer is heard, signifying the start of Iftar, Muslims typically break their fast with dates, which is a common tradition that goes back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. 

After performing the Maghrib prayer, worshipers gather to enjoy the Iftar meal together, a festive meal consisting of desserts, large portions, and delicious sides. They shared these meals with their relatives. 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia banned Iftars and schools from being held in mosques during Ramadan, and Taraweeh evening prayers were held at home.