Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of deep spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and unity among Muslims worldwide. It falls in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of March 1st, upon the sighting of the moon, and will last for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

This article provides insights into the significance of the moon in determining Ramadan’s start, as well as the expected dates and timings for its observance in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, Pakistan, and other countries.

Why is the Moon Significant in Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, meaning its months depend on the moon's phases. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based, the Islamic months begin and end with the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal). This makes Ramadan's start date vary across different locations based on moon visibility.

How is the Start of Ramadan Determined?
On the 29th day of Sha’ban (the month before Ramadan), Islamic scholars and moon-sighting committees worldwide look for the new crescent moon. If the moon is visible, Ramadan begins the next day. Otherwise, the month is completed with 30 days, and Ramadan starts the following evening.

Why Does the End of Ramadan Also Depend on the Moon?
Similar to its start, the end of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the next crescent moon, which signals the arrival of Shawwal, the month of Eid al-Fitr. This can also vary from country to country.

Ramadan 2025 Dates in Different Countries

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest cities—Mecca and Medina, plays a central role in global moon sighting announcements.

• The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called upon citizens to look for the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025.
• If the moon is visible, Ramadan will start on March 1st.
• If not, fasting will begin on March 2nd, after another moon sighting attempt on March 1st.

Saudi Arabia’s official moon-sighting committee is highly regarded, and many Muslim-majority countries align their Ramadan dates with its announcement.

Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE follows Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting closely but also relies on its Islamic Astronomy Center (IAC) in Abu Dhabi.

• Muslims in the UAE will look for the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025.
• Astronomers predict that the crescent moon will be visible through telescopes in West Asia, most of Africa, and southern Europe.
• If the moon is seen, fasting will start on March 1st; otherwise, it will begin on March 2nd.

Ramadan in India

In India, moon sighting is conducted by regional Islamic scholars and committees, with decisions often made later than in the Middle East.

• The crescent moon is expected to be visible on the evening of Saturday, March 1, 2025.
• If confirmed, Ramadan will begin on March 2nd (Sunday).
• Local moon sighting committees and religious scholars will officially announce the start date.

India often begins Ramadan a day later than Saudi Arabia due to geographical differences in moon sighting visibility.

Ramadan in Pakistan

Pakistan follows the same lunar observation process as India but has a centralized authority, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, responsible for making official moon sighting announcements.

• The committee will look for the crescent moon on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
• If the moon is seen, fasting will commence on March 2nd.
• If not, Ramadan will start on March 3rd.

Pakistan often follows the same pattern as India, with possible slight variations depending on moon visibility.

Global Observance of Ramadan 2025

Ramadan does not begin simultaneously across all countries due to differences in geographical locations and moon visibility. However, most nations begin fasting within one or two days of each other.

• Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Egypt are likely to start Ramadan on March 1st, after spotting the moon on February 28th.
• The United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe may experience moon visibility on March 1st or 2nd, leading to potential variations in start dates.

Despite regional differences, Muslims worldwide unite in their observance of fasting, prayer, and reflection during this sacred month.

Conclusion

Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of March 1st, with fasting commencing on March 2nd in several countries, while others may start on March 1st depending on moon sightings. The significance of the lunar calendar plays a crucial role in determining the start and end of Ramadan, bringing communities together in faith and devotion.

Regardless of location, Ramadan remains a time of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and increased acts of kindness. It is a month that fosters unity among Muslims worldwide, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

1. Why does the start of Ramadan vary between countries?

Ramadan's start date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, which varies due to differences in geographical locations, weather conditions, and visibility. Some countries rely on local moon sightings, while others follow announcements from Saudi Arabia.

2. What happens if the moon is not sighted on the expected date?

If the crescent moon is not seen on the 29th day of Sha’ban, the month is completed with 30 days, and Ramadan begins the following evening.

3. Do all Muslim-majority countries observe Ramadan on the same day?

No, some countries may start Ramadan on different days due to regional moon sighting differences. However, most nations begin within a day or two of each other.

4. How long does Ramadan last?

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent moon for the next month (Shawwal) is sighted.

5. What happens at the end of Ramadan?

The end of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal, which signals the arrival of Eid al-Fitr, a festive day of prayer, feasting, and giving to charity.