Saudi Arabia has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
This marks the start of a sacred period for over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, who will observe daily fasting from sunrise to sunset in devotion and spiritual reflection.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a deeply significant time marked by fasting, prayers, charity, and self-discipline. It follows a lunar cycle of 12 months, meaning the Islamic year consists of 354 or 355 days, making Ramadan’s start date shift slightly each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam’s five pillars, considered a fundamental act of worship. While it is obligatory for healthy adult Muslims, exemptions apply to young children, the elderly, those who are ill, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.
For centuries, Muslims have used moon sightings to determine the beginning of Ramadan and other key Islamic observances such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
In many countries, including Saudi Arabia, work and school hours are often adjusted during Ramadan to accommodate the fasting schedule, allowing worshippers to focus on spiritual growth, prayer, and acts of kindness.
