“I extend my warmest wishes as millions of Muslims around the world begin observing the Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said in a video message on Sunday.

As Muslims around the country prepare to welcome Ramadan, the crescent moon for the holy month is likely to be sighted today (Sunday) in most Islamic countries.

Quoting the International Astronomical Center, Gulf News reported that the central conjunction is set to occur on March 10 at 9:00am GMT, as the moon is likely to set after sunset across nearly all regions of the Islamic world.

’’Sadly, many will mark this month while facing conflict, displacement, and fear. My thoughts and heart are with them. I wish to express a special message of solidarity and support to all those suffering from the horrors in Gaza,“ he added.

Ramadan embodies the values of peace, resilience, and generosity, Guterres said, adding that Ramadan was a period of reflection and prayer, and an opportunity to come together and uplift each other.

“Let us all be inspired: To heal divisions; To support those in need; And to work as one for the safety and dignity of every member of the human family,” the UN chief said.

’’May this Holy Month bring peace and guide us towards a more just and compassionate world. Ramadan Kareem,“ he added.

Meanwhile, Sharaf al-Sufiani, the head of the Horizons Society for Space Sciences in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah, announced that the month of Ramadan will begin on March 11 in the country.

According to Sufiani, the new moon of the month will be born on Sunday, March 10 at 12.00pm according to the local time of Makkah.

A day earlier, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) called on Muslims to look for Ramadan crescent on the evening of Sunday, March 10.