The month of Ramadan 2025/1446 is fast approaching, and astronomical calculations foresee that the start of the holy month will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The official confirmation of this date will rely on the sighting of the new moon, which will be sought after sunset on Friday, February 28, 2025, corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1446.
The sighting of the crescent moon
In many Arab and Muslim nations, the determination of the beginning of the month of Ramadan is based on the visual recovery of the new moon, following the prophetic tradition. This principle is based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “ Do not start the fast or break it until you see the new moon. If the new moon is obscured from you, then complete a full thirty day” »
Most Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, will ask religious authorities and astronomers to observe the moon on Friday night to officially announce the start of the fast.
Tradition in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court will meet to monitor the appearance of the lunar crescent in the Houtha Sudayr region, in north of Riyadh. Employing the most advanced astronomical equipment, specialized observers will play a key role in this annual tradition aimed at determining the start of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Countries that rely on astronomical calculations
Some nations, such as Turkey, depend instead on astronomical calculations to set the dates of Ramadan. According to the official calendar of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, the first day of Ramadan will furthermore be on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with an expected end on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The duration of fasting in 2025
The fasting hours during the month of Ramadan 2025 will differ from country to country. During the first days of the month, the fasting duration will be shorter, with around 13 hours of fasting in many Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. Nevertheless, as the month progresses, the fasting hours will gradually increase, reaching 14 hours towards the end of Ramadan.
Muslims around the world will therefore observe a gradual increase in fasting hours, with a shorter first day and a longer last day, reflecting the natural changes in day length as the month progresses.
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