June 6 is first day of Ramadan, says Supreme Court

A Muslim man uses a telescope to observe the moon before the holy month of Ramadan at Al-Musyari'in mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sunday. The Saudi Supreme Court on Sunday declared Monday, June 6, 2016, as the first month of the fasting month of Ramadan. (REUTERS/Iqro Rinaldi)

JEDDAH: Monday, June 6, 2016, is the first day of Ramadan, the Royal Court announced.

In a statement, the Royal Court said the Supreme Court made the decision after validating reports of sightings of the Ramadan crescent moon.

More than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world will mark the month of Ramadan, during which believers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having marital relations from dawn until sunset.

Muslims are also enjoined to avoid evil thoughts and deeds.

Ramadan is sacred to Muslims because it was during this month that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).