Ramadan 2025: Crescent Moon Sighting and Fasting Commencement
As the Islamic community worldwide prepares for Ramadan 2025, anticipation builds around the sighting of the crescent moon, which signals the beginning of this sacred month. This annual event, which follows the lunar Hijri calendar, is of immense significance to Muslims, as it determines when the month of fasting will begin.
This year, a unique celestial alignment adds to the significance of Ramadan, as an astronomical phenomenon occurring once every 33 years coincides with the start of the holy month. As believers prepare for prayer, fasting, and reflection, the world eagerly awaits the official confirmation of the new moon.
A Rare Celestial Alignment
In 2025, Ramadan is expected to commence on March 1, aligning with a rare astronomical event that highlights the relationship between the lunar and solar cycles. This event is significant because it showcases how the Islamic calendar, which follows the moon, occasionally synchronizes with the Gregorian solar calendar in unique patterns.
Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, has explained that such alignments occur approximately every 33 years, emphasizing the mathematical precision of celestial movements. This rare coincidence serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between the Earth, moon, and sun—something that has fascinated astronomers and scholars for centuries.
Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the official moon sighting will take place on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. This corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar. The Judicial High Court of Saudi Arabia will rely on testimonies from individuals who claim to have seen the crescent moon with the naked eye.
- If the crescent moon is sighted on February 28, then taraweeh prayers (special night prayers) will begin that evening, and fasting will officially commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
- If the moon is not visible due to atmospheric conditions or celestial positioning, then Sha’ban will be completed as a 30-day month, and Ramadan will start on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Saudi Arabia follows the traditional method of lunar observation, in line with Islamic teachings. However, modern astronomical calculations increasingly play a role in confirming moon visibility predictions.
Moon Sighting in India
In India, the crescent moon sighting is anticipated on the evening of Saturday, March 1, 2025. Since India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian nations usually observe Ramadan one day after Saudi Arabia, the start of fasting will largely depend on whether the moon is sighted on that night.
- If the crescent moon is spotted on March 1, then fasting will begin on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
- If the moon is not seen, then Ramadan will commence on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The local moon-sighting committees and Islamic scholars in India will determine the official start of Ramadan, relying on both traditional and astronomical methods. In recent years, many scholars have encouraged the use of technology to verify moon sightings while still adhering to Islamic traditions.
Global Observance and Spiritual Significance
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds profound spiritual importance for Muslims around the world. It marks the period when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Cave of Hira.
Muslims observe fasting (sawm) from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The month is a time for:
- Increased prayer and worship – Muslims engage in Taraweeh prayers, recite the Quran, and seek forgiveness.
- Charity and generosity – Many believers contribute to Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to help the less fortunate.
- Self-discipline and reflection – Fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also from negative behaviors, bad speech, and ill intentions.
The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival of gratitude and celebration that brings families and communities together.
The Role of Astronomy in Moon Sighting
The debate between traditional moon sighting vs. astronomical calculations continues within the Islamic world. While many countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and India follow the traditional naked-eye method, others, including Turkey, Malaysia, and some Western nations, rely on scientific calculations to predict the lunar cycle accurately.
Technological advancements in telescopic observation and satellite imagery have made it easier to determine the crescent moon’s visibility. Some Islamic scholars advocate for a global lunar calendar, which could unify Ramadan’s start across all countries, reducing discrepancies. However, many traditionalists argue that physically sighting the moon remains an essential part of Islamic tradition.
Conclusion
As the world looks to the skies for the crescent moon, Ramadan 2025 promises to be a time of deep spiritual renewal. This year, the holy month aligns with a rare celestial event, adding to its significance.
Whether in Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, or anywhere else, the sighting of the moon unites millions of Muslims in faith, reflection, and devotion. As believers prepare for fasting and prayer, the start of Ramadan marks a journey of self-discipline, gratitude, and spiritual enlightenment for all who observe it.
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram
for more information click here
