Ramadan 2025 Dates: Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, Pakistan & Other Countries

Ramadan 2025, the holiest month in Islam, begins today and will be celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, and its start and end dates vary depending on the sighting of the moon. The first fast will be observed on Saturday, March 1, in many countries, while in regions like India and Pakistan, it may start a day later, on March 2, 2025

Ramadan 2025 Start Date by Country

Since Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, the start of Ramadan differs across regions based on the moon sighting. Here's an estimated timeline for when Ramadan 2025 is celebrated in different parts of the world.

Saudi Arabia & UAE: Ramadan generally begins earlier and is expected to begin on March 1, 2025, following the moon sighting on February 28, 2025.

India & Pakistan: Since these countries often observe Islamic months a day later than the Middle East, Ramadan is likely to begin on March 2, 2025, depending on the moon sighting on March 1, 2025.

United States, United Kingdom & Europe-Muslim communities in the West usually follow moon sighting reports from Saudi Arabia or their local religious authorities.

Indonesia, Malaysia & Other Asian Countries-Many Southeast Asian nations, like Indonesia and Malaysia, also follow local moon sightings, with Ramadan likely starting today or tomorrow, i.e., March 2nd, 2025.

The month of fasting will continue for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which will be determined based on the next crescent moon sighting towards the end of March 2025.

Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the most sacred. It is a time of fasting (sawm), prayer, self-discipline, and increased devotion. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs during this month.
The fast begins early in the morning; Muslims eat a meal to stay energetic through the day, followed by a Fajr prayer, which is the first prayer of the day. Later on the fast is broken at sunset with dates, water, and a meal, which is called iftar, followed by the Maghrib (evening) prayer. Post iftar, the last prayer of the day, Isha & Taraweeh prayers, is performed, which is especially chanted during Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr 2025

Ramadan 2025 will conclude with the Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting. Eid 2025 is expected to fall on March 30 or 31, which will be determined by the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.