Iraq’s Sunni Endowment, Kurdistan Region announce Ramadan begins Wednesday

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Sunni Endowment Office announced Tuesday that Wednesday will mark the first day of Ramadan, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon.

The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs also confirmed that its committees had sighted the moon, announcing Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia likewise declared that Ramadan begins Wednesday.

Iraq’s Shiite religious authorities have not yet officially announced the first day of the holy month. Expectations suggest Thursday may be declared the first day for Shiite Muslims in Iraq, resulting in differing start dates within the country.

Iraq has a mixed Muslim population, with a majority Shiite community and a significant Sunni minority. Both follow lunar-based Islamic practices, but their religious authorities typically make independent rulings on moon sighting.

The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning months begin with the sighting of the new moon. Because the moon becomes visible at slightly different times across regions, start dates for Ramadan can vary.