Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon in the Kingdom, SPA reported.
With this confirmation, over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will start fasting each day from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which contains 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims. Exemptions are made for young children, sick individuals, travelers, and pregnant women.
For thousands of years, Muslims have observed the tradition of searching for the crescent moon to mark the start of Ramadan, as well as the two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. During this month, working hours for private and public sector employees, as well as schoolchildren, are often reduced.
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion, observed by millions worldwide through fasting from dawn until sunset. This sacred period commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and emphasizes prayer, charity, and deepening faith.
Ramadan will end on March 29 or 30, with the sighting of the waning crescent moon signaling the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.
Moreover, if Ramadan 2025 lasts 29 days, Eid al-Fitr will commence on Sunday, March 30. Public holidays are scheduled for Sunday (March 30), Monday (March 31), and Tuesday (April 1).
