Ramadan 2025 will begin on March 1 or March 2, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. Local moon sighting committees in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, and Pakistan will confirm the official start of fasting. Since the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, spotting the new crescent moon is essential to mark the beginning of each month. As a result, Ramadan does not follow a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar and occurs at different times each year. This variation highlights the unique connection between the Islamic calendar and the phases of the moon.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed as a time of fasting from dawn until sunset. The fast, known as “Sawm,” is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents an opportunity for spiritual purification, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. During this month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in other physical needs, focusing instead on prayer, charity, and reflection.

Ramadan

Ramadan: Spiritual and Personal Benefits

The primary purpose of Ramadan is to draw closer to Allah (God) by purifying the soul and seeking forgiveness for past mistakes. Fasting helps Muslims develop self-control, patience, and gratitude. It is also an opportunity for personal growth, where individuals reflect on their behavior and renew their commitment to kindness, humility, and charity.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on citizens to observe the crescent moon on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. This date corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted that evening, Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1. However, if the moon remains unseen, the holy month will start on Sunday, March 2.

Moon sighting in Saudi Arabia usually occurs around 6:00 PM (Riyadh time) at sunset.

In the UAE

In the UAE, Muslims will look to the sky on the evening of February 28 to spot the crescent moon. Mohammad Odeh, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s International Astronomical Centre, confirms that the crescent will be visible through telescopes in regions like West Asia, most of Africa, and southern Europe. Therefore, the moon sighting will provide clarity for marking the beginning of Ramadan.

If the moon is sighted, Ramadan in the UAE will commence on March 1; otherwise, fasting will start on March 2. Given its close geographical proximity to Saudi Arabia, the UAE often follows the same lunar calculations.

In the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, moon sighting committees and Islamic centers will determine the start of Ramadan. The East London Mosque has projected that Ramadan will begin on March 1, but the final confirmation will depend on moon sighting reports. Since the UK relies on moon visibility announcements from Saudi Arabia and Morocco, official confirmation will likely arrive late on February 28 or early on February 29.

In Pakistan

Pakistan follows a lunar observation method similar to India, where moon sighting is crucial for determining the first day of fasting. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will observe the moon on the evening of March 1, and based on the sighting, they will announce the start date. If the moon is visible, Ramadan will begin on March 2.

Conclusion

Different countries rely on their own moon sighting committees, causing slight variations in Ramadan’s start date across regions. For example, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are likely to begin fasting on March 1, while Pakistan and India may start on March 2. Nevertheless, Muslims worldwide will come together in prayer, fasting, and reflection during this sacred month.

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