Ramadan 2025 Begins March 1, Crescent Moon Sighting
The start of Ramadan 2025 is a significant event for Muslims worldwide, with the month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection expected to bring communities together in a shared experience of devotion and self-discipline, as they strive to deepen their connection with their faith and with each other.
The holy month of Ramadan 2025 is expected to commence on March 1, pending the sighting of the new crescent moon on February 28, with Muslim communities worldwide preparing for a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. The exact start date may vary slightly depending on the moon's visibility in different regions, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, and Pakistan.
In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Muslim-majority countries, the start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, with fasting commencing on March 1 if the moon is visible, and on March 2 if it is not. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new crescent moon, making the moon sighting a pivotal event in determining the start of Ramadan.
In Pakistan, the moon sighting is anticipated on the evening of March 1, with Ramadan expected to commence on March 2 if the crescent is visible. The country's space agency, Suparco, has forecasted the start of Ramadan to be on March 2, based on scientific assessments and astronomical calculations. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will make the official announcement after examining testimonies from across the country.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to engage in fasting from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs, with the month culminating in the festive celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting. The exact date of Eid al-Fitr is expected to be March 30 or 31, 2025, depending on lunar observations.
As Muslims around the world prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan, they will come together to practice self-reflection, charity, and devotion, with the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of a month of spiritual growth and renewal.
