In a sighting of the crescent moon on Sunday night, Saudi Arabia officially announced the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, marking the start of a period of fasting and reflection for 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. The declaration was swiftly followed by multiple Gulf Arab nations, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories, who confirmed that they would also begin fasting on Monday. However, there are some countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, that will commence Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to sight the moon.

This year's Ramadan arrives amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has raised concerns that the violence may spread beyond current borders. Saudi King Salman, in remarks released after the announcement, called upon the international community to take responsibility and halt the "brutal crimes" being committed against Palestinians. The conflict has loomed large over the start of Ramadan, with scenes of Palestinians struggling for basic necessities and bombed-out mosques adding to the anger felt by Muslims around the world.

However, the observance of Ramadan offers a time for Muslims to engage in acts of charity and extend kindness. During the holy month, fasting individuals typically break their fast with a date and water, following the tradition set by Prophet Muhammad. This is followed by an "iftar," or a large meal, and a pre-dawn meal known as "suhoor."

Ramadan operates on a lunar calendar, and different countries may vary in their moon-sighting methodologies, resulting in variations in the start of the month. Many Sunni-dominated nations in the Middle East follow the lead of Saudi Arabia, which is home to Mecca and the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site.

In Iran, which considers itself the leader of Islam's minority Shiites, Ramadan is typically observed a day after Sunni-majority nations begin. According to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office, Ramadan will commence on Tuesday, coinciding with the Persian New Year celebrations known as Nowruz.

As Muslims embark on this month of spiritual devotion, conflict and unrest continue to persist. The Israel-Hamas war, restrictions on Muslim worship at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the ongoing violence in Sudan cast a shadow over the start of Ramadan. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has been pressuring the country to ease restrictions and allow more food into the Gaza Strip as the holy month begins.

Additionally, concerns remain over the potential for unrest as various militant groups, such as the Islamic State, historically have sought to exploit the heightened tensions during Ramadan. Efforts to negotiate a Ramadan ceasefire in Sudan have struggled to bring an end to the ongoing violence.

Ramadan serves as a time for spiritual reflection, acts of charity, and family moments for Muslims across the globe. Despite the prevailing conflicts and challenges, believers strive to find peace and meaning during this holy month, hoping for a brighter and more harmonious future.