Ramadan 2025: Expected date for sighting the Ramzan crescent moon in India and Saudi Arabia

Ramadan 2025: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As Muslims around the world get ready for Ramadan (also known as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan), the sighting of the crescent moon becomes a highly anticipated event. This moon phase's sighting is particularly important as it marks the beginning of Islam's holiest month. While, the Gregorian calendar follows the sun, the Islamic, Hijri calendar is lunar-based. This is why the crescent moon is highly awaited as it determines the beginning of Ramadan.

The ritual of moon sighting

The excitement begins as soon as the sun sets on the last day of Shabaan, the month preceding Ramadan, when moon sighters around the world face the western horizon, scanning the sky for the delicate sliver of the new crescent. In Saudi Arabia, the Judicial High Court records testimonies of those who have sighted the moon and makes the official announcement for the start of Ramadan.

This tradition not only marks the beginning of fasting but also serves as a powerful reminder of unity, as Muslims worldwide prepare to embark on a month of devotion, discipline and charity. Typically, the crescent is first sighted in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and some Western nations while South Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh sight the moon a day later.

When will Ramadan 2025 begin?

In a rarest of the rare move, Muslims across the world will spot the Ramadan crescent moon together this year because coincidently, Muslims in India, Pakistan and other South Asian countries welcomed the month of Shaban 1446 AH along with the Muslims of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other Arab countries. As a result, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia along with the Moon Sighting Committees in UAE, Qatar, India, Pakistan etc have officially asked Muslims in the respective countries to sight the crescent of the holy month of Ramadan on Friday evening of February 28, 2025, which corresponds to 29 Sha'ban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.

If the Ramadan crescent moon is sighted on Friday evening, the taraweeh prayers will begin that night and Muslims (in the countries that have sighted the crescent) will begin fasting from Saturday, March 01, 2025. If the Ramadan crescent is not sighted on Friday after Maghrib i.e. the evening prayers, the holy month will start from Sunday, March 02, 2025.

Regardless of the variations, the arrival of Ramadan remains a universal experience of faith, reflection, and togetherness.

Ramadan: A time of spiritual renewal

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk—it is a time of deep spiritual reflection, prayer and generosity. The month is believed to be the time when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), making it especially sacred.

For many, Ramadan is a turning point—a chance to break bad habits, strengthen faith and embrace the values of patience, gratitude and self-discipline. Families and communities come together for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking of the fast), reinforcing the bonds of unity and compassion.

The global spirit of Ramadan

Though the crescent moon may be sighted on different days across the world, the essence of Ramadan remains unchanged. It is a month of forgiveness, prayer and self-improvement, a time when millions reset their spiritual compass and seek deeper meaning in their faith.

As the world looks up to the skies, waiting for that first glimpse of the crescent moon, hearts fill with anticipation. The journey of Ramadan is about to begin—a journey of devotion, discipline and unparalleled spiritual reward.