The last quarter moon of Shaban will be visible from midnight on Wednesday, offering excellent conditions for observing lunar surface features, stated Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, Director of Jeddah Astronomy Society. He noted that the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Thursday at 8:32 p.m. Makkah time, as it approaches conjunction and the beginning of Ramadan, SPA reported.
Last week, the International Astronomical Center (IAC) announced that most Islamic countries will observe the crescent of the Holy Month of Ramadan on Friday February 28, 2025. According to Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, director of the Center, the crescent may be visible by telescope in some parts of the Islamic world on that Friday. Given that the conjunction occurs before sunset and the moon sets after sunset in all Islamic regions, it is expected that most Islamic countries will declare Saturday, March 1, as the first day of Ramadan.
Read more: March 1 expected to mark start of Ramadan 2025: IAC
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.
If the date forecasted by IAC is accurate, 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).
However, if Ramadan this year continues for 30 days, Eid al-Fitr will start on Monday, March 31. Public holidays will be observed on Monday (March 31), Tuesday (April 1), and Wednesday (April 2).
