The start of Ramadan 2025 has been confirmed across several countries, marking the beginning of one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. According to announcements made by various bodies, Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan (1446 AH) for many Islamic nations, highlighting the significance of lunar sightings to determine the month’s commencement.
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announced on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, "Tomorrow, Saturday, will be the first day of Ramadan 1446 H, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon." This announcement was closely followed by official communications from other countries.
Similarly, the Presidency of the United Arab Emirates confirmed the crescent moon's visibility, declaring March 1, 2025, as the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Qatar reaffirmed this, stating, "We announce the crescent sighting of the blessed month of Ramadan; tomorrow, Saturday (1) March 2025, is the first day of Ramadan." This announcement was shared widely on their official platforms.
Additional reports emerged from Oman and Bahrain, with both countries also confirming Saturday as the first day of Ramadan, reiterative of the importance of consensus among Muslim countries on lunar sightings. According to reports from local media sources, Kuwait followed suit, reaffirming the start date based on the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon.
The Federal Council of Imams in Australia also announced Saturday as the beginning of Ramadan, indicating the global nature of this significant time for Muslims. Indonesia echoed these sentiments, with their official astronomical center stating Saturday to be the auspicious start of Ramadan.
Despite this widespread agreement, some countries have made different declarations based on their lunar observations. Brunei announced it did not see the crescent, hence March 2, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan. Likewise, Malaysia and Japan both confirmed they would begin Ramadan on Sunday, March 2, creating divergences within the Asian region.
This observance reflects the traditional Islamic practice where the sighting of the moon marks the start of the month. It resonates deeply within the Muslim community, as Ramadan holds immense religious significance; it’s not just about fasting, but also about self-reflection, prayer, and community.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following Sha'ban and preceding Shawwal. It is deemed one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making the observance of fasting during this month obligatory for all adult Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad has emphasized the importance of Ramadan, stating, "Islam is built on five: the testimony of faith, establishing prayer, paying zakat, performing pilgrimage, and fasting during Ramadan."
The anticipation for Ramadan is palpable as Muslims worldwide prepare for this period of commitment and devotion. It is traditionally characterized by fasting during daylight hours, where individuals abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. The fast is broken each evening with the Iftar meal, which is often celebrated with family and friends, fostering community and togetherness.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to increase their charitable acts, seek forgiveness for past transgressions, and provide support for those less fortunate. The culmination of the month is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting.
With the month of Ramadan approaching, communities around the globe are gearing up for the festivities, creating meals for the Iftar gatherings, and eleving prayers to prepare spiritually. The messages of peace, unity, and humility resonate heavily, drawing families closer and reviving the bonds of kinship and brotherhood among individuals.
Organizations and ministries, such as those of Qatar and the UAE, continually play pivotal roles in both the acknowledgment and the celebration of Ramadan by providing guidance, resources, and information to their communities to help facilitate the observance of these traditions.
This Ramadan promises to be another opportunity for reflection, community bonding, and heightened devotion, as millions around the world prepare to observe this cherished period of Islamic practice.