The holy month of Ramadan will officially begin in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, March 1, 2025, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. The announcement was made by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, signaling the start of one of the most sacred months in Islam.
With this confirmation, Muslims across the Kingdom will perform their first Taraweeh prayers on Friday night, and the first day of fasting will commence at dawn on Saturday. The beginning of Ramadan is always determined by the lunar calendar, and the moon sighting marks the first day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
This announcement holds deep religious significance for millions of Muslims in Saudi Arabia and around the world, as they prepare for a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community gatherings.
Crescent Moon Sighting and Its Importance in Islam
In Islamic tradition, the start of a new month in the Hijri (lunar) calendar is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan, being the most sacred month for Muslims, follows this rule. Each year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and across the world wait for the official confirmation of the moon sighting, which dictates when fasting will begin.
The Saudi Supreme Court had earlier called upon citizens and scholars to observe the night sky and report their findings. Various observatories, including those in Sudair and Tumair, confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon. The Islamic tradition follows the lunar cycle, meaning Ramadan moves approximately 10–12 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed Muslims to begin Ramadan when the crescent moon is sighted and to complete 30 days of fasting if it is not visible due to weather conditions. This tradition continues to be followed across the Islamic world.
Taraweeh Prayers Begin Tonight
With the announcement of the crescent moon sighting, Muslims in Saudi Arabia will gather in mosques across the Kingdom for the first Taraweeh prayers on the night of February 28, 2025.
Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during Ramadan nights after the Isha prayer. It holds a unique place in Islamic worship, as it is only observed during this holy month. Thousands of worshippers are expected to attend prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, with millions more participating across mosques in the Kingdom.
During Ramadan, recitation of the Holy Qur’an becomes a core part of these prayers, with many mosques completing the full Qur’an by the end of the month. Taraweeh is considered an opportunity for Muslims to seek spiritual purification and gain blessings during this sacred time.
First Day of Fasting Begins on March 1
Following Taraweeh prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia will observe their first day of fasting on March 1, 2025. The daily fast (Sawm) requires abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from pre-dawn (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar).
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, symbolizing self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual purification. It is seen as a way to develop self-control and empathy for those less fortunate. The pre-dawn meal, Suhoor, is an essential part of the fast, allowing individuals to prepare for the long hours without food or water.
At sunset, families and communities gather to break their fast with Iftar, which traditionally begins with dates and water, followed by a variety of delicious meals. Ramadan is also known for its rich culinary traditions, with dishes such as samboosas, soups, grilled meats, and Arabic sweets filling homes and restaurants.
Adjustments in Work Schedules and Public Life
To accommodate fasting hours, Saudi Arabia implements reduced working hours for both government employees and private sector workers during Ramadan.
- Government employees typically have shorter workdays, allowing them to focus on religious duties and family time.
- Many businesses and offices adjust their operating hours to accommodate fasting customers.
- Restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets remain open late into the night, serving people after Iftar and Suhoor.
- The nightlife in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Medina becomes more active, with markets bustling well past midnight.
Mosques are crowded for daily prayers, with many people taking extra time off work to increase their religious devotion. The Kingdom sees a surge in charitable activities, with food distribution programs ensuring that the less fortunate have access to meals throughout Ramadan.
A Time for Charity and Community Spirit
Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about giving back to the community. Acts of charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) increase significantly during this month.
Many people donate to the poor, support orphans and widows, and participate in community-driven initiatives to help those in need. Mosques and charity organizations across Saudi Arabia set up Iftar tents, offering free meals to laborers, travelers, and low-income families.
Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds, with the belief that rewards for charity and acts of kindness are multiplied during Ramadan.
Ramadan in Mecca and Medina
The holy cities of Mecca and Medina experience a surge in visitors as millions of Muslims from across the world arrive for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) during Ramadan.
- The Grand Mosque in Mecca witnesses massive congregational prayers, with worshippers gathering for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers in record numbers.
- The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina also becomes a focal point for devotion, with thousands seeking spiritual solace in the sacred city.
- The Saudi government makes extensive arrangements to handle the influx of pilgrims, ensuring their safety, transportation, and accommodations.
With the Nights of Qadr (Laylat al-Qadr) approaching in the last ten days, the number of visitors continues to rise as Muslims seek forgiveness, blessings, and divine mercy.
Global Moon Sighting and Ramadan Start Dates
While Saudi Arabia has confirmed March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan, other countries may begin fasting on different dates.
- Muslim-majority nations like the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt generally follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting declaration.
- Countries in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, usually observe Ramadan a day later based on their local moon sighting committees.
- Muslim communities in the United States, the UK, and Europe rely on either local sightings or global announcements to confirm the beginning of Ramadan.
Despite differences in dates, the essence of Ramadan remains the same worldwide, bringing Muslims together in prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection.
Conclusion
As Ramadan 2025 officially begins in Saudi Arabia, Muslims prepare for a month of spiritual purification, community bonding, and increased devotion.
The sighting of the crescent moon marks not just the start of fasting but also a time of renewal, self-discipline, and generosity. With special prayers, charity work, and family gatherings, Ramadan continues to be a unifying force for Muslims across the globe.
