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

Based on crescent moon observations, most countries are expected to begin Ramadan on March 2nd. Ramadan, a holy month in Islam, commences depending on the sighting of the new moon. This makes the observation of the crescent moon a critical event for Muslims worldwide.

In Mecca, the first day of Ramadan could be either March 1st (Saturday) or March 2nd (Sunday), contingent upon the observation of the new moon. It is noteworthy that other countries and regions, including the Western Hemisphere, may observe the Ramadan crescent earlier than Mecca this time. This geographical variation highlights the global nature of the Islamic faith.

Ramadan is determined according to the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the new moon. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries primarily rely on the testimony of observers to determine the start date of Ramadan. In order for the new moon to be visible, the lunar crescent must set after the sun, allowing the sky to be dark enough to observe the faint light of the new moon. After sunset on February 28th, the 29th day of Sha'ban in the Hijri calendar, observers will face west, searching for the new moon on the open horizon. If the new moon is sighted, Ramadan begins, with March 1st being the first day of fasting. Otherwise, Sha'ban will last 30 days, and the first day of fasting will be March 2nd.

In Saudi Arabia, testimonies from those who have sighted the new moon are recorded, and then the Supreme Court decides the start date of Ramadan. According to data from the Crescent Moon Watch, operated by the UK Hydrographic Office's HM Nautical Almanac Office, the Ramadan crescent moon will be born at 3:45 AM Mecca time (00:45 GMT) on February 28th. It is predicted that on February 28th, the new moon will only be visible in the Pacific region and parts of North and South America. Most of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia, will find it difficult to observe the new moon, even with optical aids. If the weather is clear in most parts of the world on March 1st, it is highly likely that the new moon will be observed without optical assistance. For most countries in the Global South, the first day of fasting is likely to be on March 2nd.

Islam teaches that Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1400 years ago. Throughout Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from the pre-dawn Fajr prayer until the sunset Maghrib prayer. Fasting includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations to achieve a higher state of "taqwa," or God-consciousness. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the others being the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially able. In many Muslim-majority countries, working hours are shortened, and most restaurants are closed during fasting hours. During Ramadan, people commonly exchange greetings such as "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem," wishing each other a blessed and generous Ramadan, respectively.