Jeddah: The fasting month of Ramadan begins in Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries on Wednesday.

As nobody sighted the new crescent on Monday, July 9 will be the 30th day of Shaaban and the holy month of Ramadan begins on July 10, the Royal Court said in an official statement.

Like Saudi Arabia, Ramadan will begin in Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia and Australia on July 10. In the United States, Ramadan begins also on the same day.

Meanwhile in Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee will sit on Tuesday evening to ascertain the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.

State Minister for Religious Affairs and Chairman of the committee Mohammad Shahjahan Miah will preside over the meeting to be held at 7:20pm at the conference room of Baitul Mukarram Islamic Foundation in the city.

People are requested to instantly inform the committee over telephone, fax or in any other means if any one sees the moon from anywhere in the country.

The beginning of Ramadan is decided after sighting the new moon. If it was not sighted on Shaaban 29 as a result of low visibility, then the month will have 30 days.

Muslims begin their observance of the holy month of Ramadan, when they fast from sun up to sun down and focus on spiritual growth.

Muslims around the world greet the holy month of Ramadan with utmost respect and happiness. It is compulsory for Muslims to fast in this month to purify their minds and make them spiritually and physically healthy.

(FK/09/07/13)