The crescent moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, confirming that fasting will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Haramain Sharifain, the official platform providing updates on the Two Holy Mosques, announced the moon sighting today via its social media channels. With this confirmation, Muslims around the world will begin observing Ramadan, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is determined by the lunar cycle, with each month lasting either 29 or 30 days. The beginning and end of the month are based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring Muslims to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The month is also marked by increased acts of worship, charity, and self-discipline.
Since the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, Ramadan shifts by approximately 10 to 12 days each year. The month will end with the sighting of the next crescent moon, which will mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
