The sacred month of Ramadan is set to begin soon, with significant announcements from religious leaders across regions confirming the start dates for fasting. For many Muslims, this period is marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, and it carries deep religious significance worldwide.
According to the Chief Qazi of Tamil Nadu, Salahuddin Muhammad Ayub, Ramadan fasting will commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, throughout India. This decision is rooted in the recent sighting of the moon, which signals the beginning of this holy month. Ayub stated, "Hijri 1446 Shaban 29th date Friday, English date 28-02-2025, on the evening of the crescent of the month of Ramadan was not seen either in Chennai or other districts. Therefore, Sunday, English date 02-03-2025 is declared as the first crescent of the month of Ramadan according to Shari'ah." This announcement was made following the failure to observe the moon on the expected date, which is traditionally used to determine the start of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the beginning of Ramadan has been confirmed for Saudi Arabia and several Gulf countries as of March 1, 2025. Religious authorities there reported the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of February 28, which allows local Muslims to commence their fasting on this day. Several reports highlighted, "The sighting of the crescent was confirmed last night (February 28) by religious authorities in Saudi Arabia, indicating the start of Ramadan today, March 1." This variation demonstrates the localized nature of Ramadan observance, depending greatly on moon sighting practices.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, representing devotion and discipline. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset, which is seen as both a test of faith and an act of worship. The day is typically broken with family and community gatherings during iftar, the evening meal, where dates and water are traditionally consumed first, followed by larger meals.
For many adherents, Ramadan is also about community, spirituality, and reflection. Families come together, and charitable giving is emphasized during this time, encouraging support for the less fortunate. The communal prayers during the month, particularly the nightly ta'zir prayers, deepen the connections with their faith and with one another.
The start of Ramadan can vary by as much as one day among regions due to the observance of local moon sightings. Islamic traditions hold it to be important to verify the sighting rather than rely solely on astronomical calculations, which can create discrepancies between countries.
Ayub’s announcement reinforces the importance of such traditional practices, linking the local observance of Ramadan with broader global practices within the Islamic community. He emphasized how the sighting of the crescent not only defines the start of Ramadan but also aligns communities globally with this important month.
Muslims often prepare for Ramadan well before its arrival, focusing on creating habits of prayer and attentiveness to their faith, ensuring they approach this holy month with the right mindset and discipline.
On March 2, Muslims across India will begin their fast, joining millions worldwide as they observe this significant period filled with spirituality and community. The sacredness of Ramadan is observed not just through fasting but through increased prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness.
Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting and celebrating the community's dedication to the month's demands. This year, the expected date for Eid is April 21, 2025, depending on the moon sighting on the last day of Ramadan. Many Muslims look forward to this festival, emphasizing joy, gratitude, and community ties formed during the preceding month.
The month of Ramadan serves as both a test of personal strength and as a period of coming together for Muslims across the globe. It is about building relationships, not only with God but with friends and family, during the shared experience of fasting and reflection.