Ramadan Begins Thursday for Muslims in France, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia

In a press release, the Grand Mosque of Paris wished the best wishes to the Muslims of France and encouraged them to make this month of fasting a month of piety, generosity and unity with all French citizens.

In the rest of the world, the Muslim month of fasting will also begin on Thursday in Belgium and Saudi Arabia.

The start of Ramadan is determined by the appearance of the first crescent moon, the Muslim calendar being lunar. Traditionally, many Muslim countries follow the date indicated by the Saudi religious authorities.