Moon Sighting for Ramadan: Global Dates and Differences
Moon sighting today on 28 Feb 2025: The holy month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, but dates often vary globally due to differences in moon-sighting methodologies and geographical visibility. Below is a breakdown of moon-sighting outcomes and Ramadan start dates for March 2025 in Saudi Arabia , Pakistan, UAE, UK, USA, Australia, and others.
Moon Sighting Ramadan Start Dates
| Country | Crescent visibility declaration Date | Ramadan Start Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | February 28, 2025 | March 1, 2025 | KSA Supreme Court confirms the moon sighting today |
| UAE | February 28, 2025 | March 1, 2025 | Moon sighting in UAE Confirmed by the Committee of UAE |
| UK | February 28, 2025 | March 1, 2025 | Sighted in London, Birmingham; North London Council of Mosques confirmed. |
| USA | February 28, 2025 | March 1, 2025 | Major Islamic organizations align with Saudi Arabia’s declaration. |
| Australia | February 28, 2025 | March 1, 2025 | Crescent sighted; fasting begins March 1. |
| Pakistan | Not sighted | March 2, 2025 | Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced no sighting; Sha’ban completes 30 days. |
| India | Follows Pakistan | March 2, 2025 | Typically aligns with Pakistan or moon sighting in Saudi Arabia, depending on committees. |
| Sri Lanka | Not sighted | March 2, 2025 | Colombo Grand Mosque confirmed not sighting. |
| Indonesia | Moon sighted | March 1, 2025 | Confirmed by Rukyatul Hilal confirmed |
| Morocco | Not sighted | March 2, 2025 | Confirmed by Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments |
Why Do Dates Differ?
1. Moon sighting Saudi Arabia vs. Moon sighting Pakistan
- KSA: Follows the Umm al-Qura calendar (pre-calculated) but also confirms sightings.
- Moon sighting in Pakistan: Relies on local physical sightings by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
2. Global Variations
- Countries like the UAE, UK, and USA often align with Saudi Arabia for unity.
- South Asian nations (Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka) prioritize local sightings, leading to a 1-day delay.
Key Takeaways
- Ramadan 1446 AH begins on March 1, 2025 in Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, USA, and Australia.
- Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines start fasting on March 2, 2025.
- The Islamic day begins at sunset:
- Moon visibility confirmation on February 28, 2025 (evening) determine Ramadan’s start the next day.
- Taraweeh prayers begin on the night of the first confirmed sighting (e.g., Feb 28 in KSA).
Moon-Sighting Methods
| Country | Method |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Combines pre-calculated Umm al-Qura calendar with official sightings. |
| Pakistan | Physical Hilal sighting by Ruet-e-Hilal Committee; rejects telescopic aid. |
| UAE, UK, USA | Follow Saudi Arabia or local sightings, depending on Islamic councils. |
| Australia | Relies on sightings or follows Saudi Arabia. |
Who Confirms the Lunar verification?
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court is responsible for confirming the Hilal sighting. It relies on reports from official moon sighting committees and volunteers across the country. The court then announces the start of Ramadan and other Islamic months accordingly.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, led by religious scholars and astronomers, is responsible for Ramadan commencement announcement. The committee gathers reports from different parts of the country and makes an official announcement through the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Moon sighting Australia
In Australia, Dr. Shabbir Ahmed, the Coordinator of Moonsighting Australia, oversees the confirmation of moon visibility. He provides updates from various locations, including Mareeba, Wyong, Brisbane, and Sydney. For Ramadan 1446 (2025), he reported that the moon had not been sighted in these areas and awaited further reports from other states. The official announcement regarding Ramadan’s commencement is scheduled for Friday, 28th February 2025, after Maghrib. Moonsighting Australia plays a crucial role in ensuring an accurate declaration, following traditional and scientific methods to determine the Islamic calendar dates for fasting, Eid celebrations, and other religious observances.
Moon sighting Morocco
In Morocco, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments is responsible for confirming the moon sighting to determine the start of Ramadan. The country follows a traditional moon sighting method, relying on visual confirmation of the crescent moon. In 2025, astronomers predict that Morocco will observe Ramadan’s first day on Sunday, March 2, a day after Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Although Morocco and other countries may observe the crescent moon on the same evening, differences in visibility and calculations often lead to varying start dates. The official announcement will be made based on the sighting results.
Other Countries
- Indonesia: The Religious Affairs Ministry confirms the Hilal sighting based on observations from different regions, with Aceh being a key location.
- Sri Lanka: The Colombo Grand Mosque is the primary authority that announces the sighting or non-sighting of the moon.
- Turkey & Some Other Countries: Many countries, including Turkey and some Western nations, rely solely on astronomical calculations (hisab) rather than physical Crescent observation.
- United Arab Emirates & Qatar: These countries typically follow Saudi Arabia’s Lunar verification decision.
Each country has its own method, but most Islamic nations rely on a mix of rukyatul hilal (actual sighting) and hisab (calculations) to determine the beginning of Ramadan.
Conclusion
While Saudi Arabia and much of the Arab world begin Ramadan on March 1, 2025, South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia observe it a day later due to differences in moon-sighting practices. Muslims are advised to follow announcements from their local communities for accuracy.
🌙 May this Ramadan bring peace and blessings to all!