When is Ramadan 2025, and how is the moon sighted?

Depending on whether the new moon is visible, Mecca will observe its first day of fasting on March 1 or March 2 for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Other countries, especially in the Western Hemisphere, could see the Ramadan moon before Mecca this time.

The Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the discovery of the crescent moon, determines the duration of Ramadan. The start of the month is determined by the testimony of moonsighters in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority nations.

How is the Ramadan moon sighted?

For the moon to be visible, the crescent must set after the sun. The small sliver of the new moon can be seen in the dark sky.

Moon sighters face west on the 29th day of the Hijri calendar’s Shaaban month in clear view of the horizon for the first time to see the crescent moon after the sun sets on February 28.

If the moon is sighted, the month of Ramadan begins, with the first fasting day being March 1. Otherwise, Shaaban will complete 30 days, and the first fasting day will be March 2.

The Supreme Court determines when Ramadan should begin, and witnesses who have seen the moon are recorded in Saudi Arabia.

When does Ramadan begin in different countries?

According to Crescent Moon Watch (PDF), a moon tracker run by the United Kingdom’s Nautical Almanac Office, Ramadan’s new moon will begin on February 28 at 3: 45am Mecca time (00: 45 GMT).

The Pacific, North America, and some of South America should only be visible on February 28.

It is unlikely that most of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia, will be able to see the new crescent even with an optical aid.

If the skies are clear on March 1 and the new moon is visible in the majority of the world, it will most likely be visible without optical aid.

The most common day of fasting is March 2 for the majority of the Global South nations.

Depending on whether the new moon appears on the 29th night of each lunar month, lunar months typically last between 29 and 30 days. If the new moon is not visible, the month lasts 30 days.

Why is Ramadan holy?

Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran more than 1,400 years ago.

Throughout the month, observing Muslims fast from just before the sunrise prayer, Fajr, to the sunset prayer, Maghrib.

The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially capable.

In many Muslim-majority countries, working hours are reduced, and most restaurants are closed during the fasting hours.

How do you wish someone for Ramadan?

Various Muslim-majority nations have a personalised greeting in their native languages. “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are common greetings exchanged over the month, wishing the recipient a blessed and generous month, respectively.