Ramadan 2025: Anticipated Date for Crescent Moon Sighting in - Saudi Arabia

 "Ramadan 2025: Anticipated Date for Crescent Moon Sighting in India and Saudi Arabia"

"Ramadan 2025: Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a significant time for Muslims worldwide. As they prepare for this sacred month (also referred to as Ramzan, Ramzaan, or Ramazan), the sighting of the crescent moon becomes an eagerly awaited event. The appearance of this moon phase signals the start of Islam's holiest month. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, the Islamic Hijri calendar is lunar-based, making the sighting of the crescent moon essential for determining the start of Ramadan."

**The Ritual of Moon Sighting**  

Excitement builds as the sun sets on the last day of Shabaan, the month before Ramadan, with moon sighting committees around the world scanning the western horizon for the first glimpse of the new crescent. In Saudi Arabia, the Judicial High Court records testimonies from those who spot the moon, officially announcing the start of Ramadan.

This tradition not only marks the beginning of fasting but also symbolizes unity, as Muslims across the globe prepare for a month of devotion, discipline, and charity. The crescent moon is typically first sighted in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and some Western countries, while South Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh often spot it a day later.

**When Will Ramadan 2025 Begin?**  

In a rare occurrence, Muslims worldwide will likely sight the Ramadan crescent moon on the same evening. This year, Muslims in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries began the month of Shaban 1446 AH at the same time as those in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and other Arab nations. As a result, the Moon Sighting Committees in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, India, and Pakistan have called for moon sightings on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, which corresponds to 29 Sha'ban 1446 AH.

If the crescent moon is sighted that evening, Taraweeh prayers will begin, and fasting will start on Saturday, March 1, 2025. However, if the moon is not sighted after Maghrib prayers, Ramadan will begin on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

**Ramadan: A Time of Spiritual Renewal**  

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

For many, Ramadan offers a chance for spiritual growth, allowing individuals to break bad habits, strengthen their faith, and embrace values such as patience, gratitude, and self-discipline. Families and communities unite for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking of the fast), strengthening bonds of compassion and solidarity.

**The Global Spirit of Ramadan**  

While the sighting of the crescent moon may vary by location, the essence of Ramadan remains constant: it is a month of forgiveness, prayer, and self-improvement. As millions reset their spiritual compass, Ramadan becomes a time for deeper connection with faith.

As people around the world eagerly await the first sighting of the crescent moon, hearts fill with anticipation, marking the beginning of a sacred journey of devotion, discipline, and spiritual reward.