In the Islamic Calendar, moon sightings are followed. Correspondingly, moon sighting in Islam has an important role in determining the beginning of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia 2025.
This is in stark contrast with the Gregorian calendar. In general, we have come to observe over the years that the beginning of Ramadan shifts by around 10 days each year.
Let us now consider the precise procedure for determining the start of Ramadan, when the Muslim community worldwide begins their fast. Before we do so, it is important to specify that the fasting for Ramadan is likely to begin on different days in different regions of the world. That’s what takes place every year.
Sha’ban is the month that precedes Ramadan. So, on the 29th day of Sha’ban, Muslim committees and scholars begin to observe the skies and look for the crescent moon. In case they find the crescent moon, Ramadan begins on the day that follows. If they fail to do so for any reason, Sha’ban completes 30 days and a day later, fasting begins.
So, obviously, with this process being in place, there are going to be regional differences in the day that fasting for Ramadan is to begin. But the breaking of the trend is expected in 2025 as synchronization is likely to take place which generally doesn’t take place.
Typically, the moon is observed on different dates in different countries. But this year, Muslim scholars from different countries will look into the skies to see the moon on the same evening. This will be on 28th February – resulting in a rare global alignment.
When does Ramadan 2025 begin?
Ramadan 2025 moonsighting in Saudi Arabia
As per the directives shared by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, the date chosen for the citizens to try and observe the crescent moon is 28 February. This is the official Saudi Arabia Ramadan moon sighting date. The corresponding date in the Islamic calendar is 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH.
In the event of sighting the Saudi Arabia Ramadan moon, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia 2025 commences on 1st March. If contrary, Ramadan will begin on 2nd March.
It is noteworthy that the moon sighting decisions made in Saudi Arabia have repercussions over the Islamic communities globally. This is even more influential for the regions that go by the kingdom’s astronomical rulings. So, has Ramadan started in Saudi Arabia? It well and truly has.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
After Saudi Arabia, let us now discuss the moon sighting rulings of the UAE or the United Arab Emirates, which lies in the neighborhood of Saudi Arabia. So, just as in the case of Saudi Arabia, there is an official Ramadan moon sighting committee in the UAE. They’ll look for the crescent moon on the 28th of February evening. If we go by the information that the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi has suggested, we see that by using telescopes, we will be able to view the crescent moon throughout southern Europe, Africa, and West Asia. Ramadan started on March 1st, and this was confirmed.
Ramadan moon sighting in India
Let us consider the case of moon sighting in South Asia. This takes place a day after the moon is sighted in Gulf countries. 2025 brings about a change in the situation and this year, India and Pakistan will also search for the moon on 28 February. If the crescent moon is spotted on 28th February, Ramadan begins on 2nd March.
It is noteworthy that in India, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali from Lucknow’s Markazi Chand Committee has confirmed that 28th February will be the day when Muslims from India will observe the sky. Similarly, Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will use the visibility reports to determine the start date for Ramadan 2025.
A global start to Ramadan
Looking at Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the countries ahead of Middle East and South Asia, Ramadan will likely start on 1st March. Nevertheless, countries like the UK and the US could go by the announcements from Saudi Arabia to determine the start of Ramadan. Or, they may go by local moon sighting reports.
In the US, Ramadan 2025 began on 28th February while in the UK, Ramadan began on 1st March of the same year.
Ramadan’s spiritual significance
There’s more to Ramadan than keeping a fast from dawn to sunset. This is a time of spiritual rejuvenation. Fasting time is spent forwarding the bid towards self-discipline. One should demonstrate a sincere devotion to prayer.
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims carry out their daily prayers. They spend more time reciting the Quran than they otherwise do. Acts of charity is another important theme associated with the month of Ramadan.
The most important communal experiences in Ramadan include Suhoor, which is the pre-dawn meal, and Iftar, which is the evening meal consumed to break the fast. This strengthens the bond among communities and families.
The conclusion of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia 2025 is marked by Eid-al-Fitr, a joyful festival following which the fasting ends. In 2025, Eid could fall on March 30th or 31st. It depends on the moon sighting.
Health considerations and challenges faced in fasting
Fast hours will be variable in different regions globally. If a nation lies close to the equator, Muslims from these countries will fast for around 13-14 hours daily. However, for the countries from higher latitudes, fasting could last for as long as 18 hours.
In such cases, staying hydrated is the most important recommendation that health experts give. It then helps to ensure that your Suhoor and Iftar meals are well balanced. If you avoid excessive consumption of fried foods, energy levels keep sustainable throughout the month.
