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Ramadan 2025 in Saudi Arabia: Islam’s lunar calendar, based on moon phases, determines Holy month of Ramzan. Here’s when crescent moon will be sighted in India and Saudi Arabia
As the Islamic world prepares for Ramadan (also spelled as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan), millions of Muslims eagerly await the sighting of the crescent moon – a moment that signifies the beginning of the holiest month in Islam. Hijri (lunar) calendar is 10–11 days shorter each year than Gregorian calendar because it is based on the moon cycle instead of the sun. Thus, every year Ramadan starts a little earlier, bringing with it a renewed sense of spiritual commitment and excitement.
The ritual of moon sighting
Watchers all over the world turn their attention to the western horizon as the sun goes down on the last day of Shabaan, the month before Ramadan. They are looking for the thinnest hint of the new crescent moon. People in Saudi Arabia go to the Judicial High Court to record their stories about seeing the moon and to make the official start of Ramadan.
While Muslims around the world get ready for a month of devotion, discipline, and charity, this tradition not only marks the start of fasting, it also serves as a powerful reminder of unity. South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh usually see the moon a day after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and some Western countries see the crescent first.
When will Ramadan 2025 in Saudi Arabia begin?
On Friday evening, February 28, 2025, which is 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar, Muslims all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will get ready to see the crescent of the sun during the holy month of Ramadan. The Saudi Arabian moon sighting committee usually looks at the moon in the days before Ramadan starts, but Muslims all over the Kingdom are welcome to look at the moon without binoculars if they prefer.
According to astronomers at the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi, on Friday, February 28, 2025, people will be able to see the crescent moon, which means the start of the holy month. While the final confirmation rests on traditional moon sighting methods, astronomical calculations strongly suggest that fasting will commence the next day i.e. March 01, 2025.
Islamic countries will observe the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, just a few days before the holy month starts. This is why people are getting more and more excited. The crescent moon can be seen through telescopes in West Asia, most of Africa, and southern Europe, according to Mohammad Odeh, Chairman of the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi. People in many parts of the Americas may be able to see it without a telescope.
Since the moon will go down after sunset everywhere, most Islamic countries will likely start Ramadan on March 1, 2025. Muslims in the United Arab Emirates will be getting ready to see the crescent of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Friday, February 28, 2025, at sunset. This will be on the 29th day of Sha’ban 1446 AH in Islamic time.
If the crescent moon of Ramadan is seen on Friday night, the taraweeh prayers will start that night, and Muslims in Saudi Arabia will start fasting on March 1, 2025. In the event that the crescent doesn’t appear on Friday after Maghrib, or evening prayers, the holy month will begin on March 2, 2025.
The moon will be visible on March 1 in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Fasting will begin on March 2 if the crescent is visible. If not, March 3 will be the first day of Ramadan. The start of Ramadan is always a time of faith, reflection, and coming together, no matter how it is celebrated.
Ramadan: A time of spiritual renewal
Ramadan is more than just not eating or drinking from dawn until dusk. It is also a time for deep spiritual reflection, prayer, and giving. Believers say that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during this month, which makes it very holy.
It’s a chance for many to break bad habits, grow in their faith, and learn the values of patience, gratitude, and self-discipline during Ramadan. Gatherings for Sehri (a meal before dawn) and Iftar (breaking the fast) bring families and communities closer together and strengthen the bonds of kindness and unity.
The global spirit of Ramadan
Ramadan, a month of forgiveness, prayer, and self-improvement, is a time of spiritual renewal for millions. As the crescent moon is sighted, hearts fill with anticipation for the journey of devotion and spiritual reward.
