Saudi Arabia officially declared on Friday, February 28, 2025, that the holy month of Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon in the Kingdom.
This announcement ushers in a significant period for more than 1.8 billion Muslims globally, who will observe the sacred tradition of fasting from sunrise to sunset each day throughout the month.
The confirmation aligns with centuries-old Islamic practices and sets the stage for a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and community.
A Lunar Tradition Rooted in Faith
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, operates on a 354- or 355-day cycle, distinct from the Gregorian calendar.
The sighting of the crescent moon has been a revered method for determining the start of Ramadan for thousands of years, a practice that also governs the timing of Islam’s two major holidays; Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha.
This year’s sighting in Saudi Arabia reaffirms the Kingdom’s pivotal role in establishing the global Islamic calendar, guiding Muslims worldwide into this period of fasting and prayer.
Fasting: A Pillar of Islam
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, a fundamental act of worship obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims.
The daily fast, which prohibits eating, drinking, and other physical indulgences from dawn until dusk, serves as a means of spiritual purification and discipline.
Exemptions are granted to specific groups, including young children, the elderly, the sick, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating. This pillar underscores the universal commitment to faith and resilience shared by Muslims across continents.
With Ramadan’s arrival, daily life adjusts for millions. In many countries, working hours for private and public sector employees, as well as schoolchildren, will accommodate the physical demands of fasting.
The month fosters a sense of unity, as families and communities gather for pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and break their fasts together at sunset (iftar).
For 2025, the start on March 1 signals the beginning of this transformative experience, expected to culminate in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr around March 30 or 31, depending on the next moon sighting.
A Rare Celestial Forecast
Interestingly, astronomical projections indicate that Muslims may observe Ramadan twice in 2030, a phenomenon occurring for only the second time in 33 years.
This rarity arises due to the shorter lunar calendar gradually shifting Ramadan earlier in the Gregorian year. Such occurrences highlight the dynamic nature of the Islamic calendar and its enduring connection to celestial rhythms, a topic that continues to captivate scholars and faithful alike.
