Ramadan, also known as Ramazan or Ramzan, is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, important to Muslims around the globe. The term comes from the Arabic word "ramida," which translates to "scorching heat."
This sacred month entails fasting from dawn until dusk, performing prayers, and engaging in charitable deeds, representing one of Islam's five pillars: in addition to faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj).
The lunar calendar makes the beginning of Ramadan vary each year depending on the sighting of the new moon. In 2025, Ramadan is anticipated to start on March 1, depending on the moon sighting on the night of February 28.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court requests the observation of the moon on February 28, which corresponds to the 29th of Sha’ban 1446 AH. If the moon is visible, Ramadan begins on March 1; if not, it moves to March 2.
The sighting of the moon is expected at around 6:00 PM Riyadh time, while nations such as India should get confirmation by about 7:30 PM IST.
In the UAE, Muslims are set to look for the crescent on February 28, anticipating visibility throughout West Asia, some regions of Africa, and southern Europe.
The East London Mosque in the UK anticipates that Ramadan will begin on March 1, subject to sighting confirmations. In the same way, Pakistan's Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is expected to announce the beginning of Ramadan through local sightings, probably commencing on March 2.
As the global community readies for this sacred month, Muslims get set for fasting, prayers, and charitable deeds, looking forward to announcements regarding the sighting of the crescent moon.
