How is the start of Ramadan determined – and does it begin in the UK t

Today has been confirmed as the first day of Ramadan by Saudi Arabia. But for Muslims in the UK, the start of the holiest month of the Islamic year can differ.

The official start of Ramadan traditionally depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon as it is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which, every single month is determined by the sighting of the new crescent.

Dr Wajid Akhter, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), told Sky News that Muslims in the UK have differences of opinion on when Ramadan should begin.

For some it is when the moon has been sighted over Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, which is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. For others, it is when the moon is seen in closer Muslim countries like Turkey or Morocco or over the UK itself.

Whatever the date, Dr Akhter said it is time the country had a unified answer.

How is Ramadan confirmed in Saudi Arabia?

Sighting of the Ramadan crescent takes place at the Tabuk Observatory, a facility in Saudi Arabia that is used annually to spot the beginning and end of a lunar cycle.

On Tuesday, teams of moon-sighters began to look for the crescent after the sun set at roughly 6pm local time (3pm UK time).

The UK’s HM Nautical Almanac Office (HMNAO) – which provides data and information on astronomy and space – predicted that countries including Saudi Arabia and the UK would not have clear visibility of the crescent moon until tonight.

But the UAE Presidential Court did confirm a sighting, meaning that today, 18 February, will be the first official day, with fasting starting at dawn.

Other countries including Turkey, Oman, Australia, Malaysia, France and Singapore have declared that Ramadan will start a day later on Thursday 19 February.