New Delhi

Saudi Arabia has announced the first day of Ramzan will be April 13, Tuesday.

The moon sighting committee in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday evening that the crescent moon had not been sighted.

Accordingly, Monday, April 12, will be the last and 30th day of Shaban 1442 Hijri.

Sunday marks the 29th day of Shaban, the month before Ramadan according to the Islamic calendar. Ramadan lasts for one complete moon cycle, usually 29- 30 days. The moon sighting determines the duration of this month.

Although all countries have their Islamic authorities to take a call on the sighting of the crescent to declare the beginning of the Holy month of Ramzan during which Muslims pray and fast culminating in Eid ul Fitr, Saudi Arabia is the birth place of Prophet Mohammad and therefore the highest seat of Islam.

In India, Shahi Imams of different zones declare the first day of Ramzan.