Saudi Arabia declared on Thursday that Friday will mark the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
The Supreme Court made the announcement after the crescent moon, signaling the advent of the month, was sighted.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz received a series of congratulatory telephone calls from Arab and Muslim leaders after the announcement. They included Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
This year's holy month will be markedly different as the Kingdom and entire world grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
Late on Monday, Saudi Arabia extended the suspension of praying in the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan to stem the spread of the virus, the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques' Affairs said on Twitter.
Last week, Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh said that Muslim prayers during Ramadan and for the subsequent Eid al-Fitr feast should be performed at home if the coronavirus outbreak continues.
The Prophet’s Mosque in the holy city of Madinah said it was banning events which dispense evening meals in the mosque to those in need during Ramadan to break their daily fast.
