In an exceptionally rare occurrence, Muslims across the world are set to observe the Ramadan crescent moon simultaneously in 2025. Traditionally, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and some Western nations spot the crescent first, while South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka usually witness it a day later. However, this year, Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Germany, and other regions commenced the month of Sha’ban 1446 AH alongside Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, Palestine, Oman, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Turkey, and Egypt.
A Rare Ramadan Synchronization
For the first time in years, Muslims worldwide will look for the Ramadan crescent on the same evening. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially instructed citizens and residents to search for the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025, corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1446 AH. This directive has also been issued by moon sighting committees in the UAE, Qatar, India, Pakistan, the USA, the UK, Afghanistan, Nepal, Oman, Iraq, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Germany, and more.
According to Saudi Arabian media reports, the Supreme Court urges people to report any sightings to the nearest court. While the Kingdom traditionally relies on moon sighting committees, it also encourages individuals to observe the crescent using binoculars or the naked eye. Astronomers at the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi predict that the crescent will be visible on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Ramadan Moon Watch 2025: Global Anticipation Builds
Although traditional moon sighting remains the official confirmation method, astronomical calculations strongly indicate that fasting will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025. As the holy month approaches, excitement grows, with Muslims worldwide preparing to observe the crescent moon on Friday evening.
Mohammad Odeh, Chairman of the International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi, noted that the crescent will be visible through telescopes in West Asia, much of Africa, and southern Europe. In the Americas, it may even be seen with the naked eye. Since the moon is expected to set after sunset in all regions, most Islamic countries are likely to declare Ramadan’s start on March 1, 2025.
In the United Arab Emirates, preparations for the moon sighting are underway, with Muslims set to look for the crescent on the evening of February 28. Similarly, in India, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali of the Markazi Chand Committee in Lucknow has affirmed that the crescent is expected to be sighted on the same night.
If the moon is spotted on Friday, taraweeh prayers will commence that night, and fasting will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. However, if the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan will start on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Regardless of minor variations, Ramadan remains a time of faith, reflection, and unity for Muslims around the world. This rare synchronization of moon sighting adds a unique dimension to the spiritual significance of the holy month in 2025.