Islamic Nations Prepare for Ramadan 2025 as Moon Sighting Determines Start Date

IQNA – Islamic countries around the world are preparing to observe the start of the holy month of Ramadan with moon-sighting teams set to spot the crescent on Friday and Saturday.

Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Sistani's office has released a statement predicting the tentative beginning and end dates for Ramadan in 1446 AH. The statement expects the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan to be sighted on Saturday evening, March 1, 2025, corresponding to the 11th of Esfand.

Consequently, based on this prediction, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, astronomical calculations, which some states use as a basis for their religious practices, indicate that the start of Ramadan in some Arab countries will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

It is anticipated that Islamic countries will call for the moon sighting on Friday evening to officially announce the beginning of Ramadan after confirming the sighting.

In Saudi Arabia, authorities will hold an official session in northern Riyadh to observe the crescent moon.

According to the calendar of the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, will be the last day of Ramadan. Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

Similarly, the head of the UAE Astronomy Board predicts, based on astronomical calculations, that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan.

Reports from Egypt's Institute of Astronomy indicate that Saturday is likely to be the first day of Ramadan.

Qatar and Indonesia have also predicted that Saturday will mark the beginning of Ramadan.

In Iran, if the crescent moon is sighted on Friday evening, the 29th of Sha'ban, then Sha'ban will have 29 days, and the first day of Ramadan will be Saturday. If the crescent moon is not sighted, Sha'ban will have 30 days, and the first day of Ramadan will be Sunday.

Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims around the world, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, increased prayers, and reflection.

The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and various countries have different methods and traditions for observing this event.

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