Lebanon and the broader Islamic community eagerly await the arrival of Ramadan 2025, which is expected to start on Saturday, March 1, 2025, according to astronomical calculations. With just hours to go, the anticipation is palpable among citizens as they prepare to observe this sacred month of fasting and reflection.
Muslims around the world traditionally rely on both lunar sightings and astronomical predictions to determine the beginning of Ramadan. This year, the responsibility for confirming the start date will rest on the shoulders of various religious institutions who will conduct moon sightings on the evening of February 28, 2025. The Saudi Arabian Supreme Court has officially called upon the Muslim community to witness and report the crescent moon's appearance. "نظرًا لما تضمنه قرار المحكمة العليا .. أن 31 / 1 / 2025 هو غرة شهر شعبان لعام 1446هـ؛ فإن المحكمة العليا ترغب إلى عموم المسلمين في جميع أنحاء المملكة تحري رؤية هلال شهر رمضان المبارك مساء يوم الجمعة 28 / 2 / 2025," stated the Supreme Court, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Not only do Saudis participate actively, but Lebanon, along with various other Islamic nations, aligns closely with the astronomical predictions made by institutions like the International Astronomical Center based in the UAE. This organization has stated they expect the moon to be visible using telescopes across much of western Asia and Africa, as well as parts of southern Europe.
Lebanese families are already preparing for the month, sharing greetings and messages to mark the occasion. Many have increased their efforts to collect and distribute Ramadan greeting cards, which like to convey wishes of health, prosperity, and joy to family and friends. "رمضان كريم" (Ramadan is generous) is one of the most common phrases exchanged, symbolizing warmth and community spirit during this holy month.
The arrival of Ramadan is not simply marked by fasting; it also serves as an opportunity for the community to come together, engage in charitable activities, and strengthen familial bonds. The month is characterized by nightly prayers, special meals to break the fast, and the notable Tarawih prayers held at mosques across Lebanon. Each of these traditions plays its part in fostering a sense of kinship among Muslims, as allies gather for the purpose of prayer and reflection.
With Ramadan's initiation, social interactions typically increase as individuals reach out to each other, exchanging traditional sweets and meals prepared for Iftar—the meal enjoyed after sunset to break the fast. The significance of Ramadan is reflected not only through individual observances but also through community events, charitable donations, and inter-faith dialogues celebrating togetherness and diversity.
The excitement for Ramadan 2025, especially as the community anticipates what it will bring, thrives on the shared beliefs and practices fundamental to the Muslim faith. Each year brings this momentous occasion, and as the countdown to the sighting draws closer, Lebanese citizens look forward to embracing the love, kindness, and spirituality this month embodies.
Fasting from dawn until sunset is not just about abstaining from food and drink but is seen as a time for purification and self-discipline. Many individuals view it as an opportunity for personal growth, enhanced spirituality, and increased empathy for those who experience hunger every day. It encourages Muslims around the world to deepen their connection to God through prayers, reflection, and acts of kindness.
To conclude, this Ramadan will not simply mark another month on the calendar; it signifies the renewal of faith, rekindled family connections, and the heartfelt sharing of blessings among the community. Lebanon’s participation aligns beautifully with the broader Islamic practices, echoing sentiments of hope, communal bonding, and the spirit of charity—a message worth celebrating as the crescent moon rises on March 1, 2025.