Saudi Arabia called today on all Muslims in the country to look out for the Ramadan 2025 crescent on Friday, February 28, evening. Friday will be Sha’ban 29 in the Umm al-Qura calendar. Islamic months in the Hijri calendar range between 29 and 30 days.
“The Supreme Court has called on all Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sight the Ramadan crescent on Friday evening, Sha’ban 29, 1446 AH, in the Umm al-Qura calendar, corresponding to March 28, 2025,” the court said in a statement.
Ramadan to likely commence on March 1
The Supreme Court asks that people who see the Ramadan 2025 crescent with the naked eye or through binoculars notify the nearest court to record the testimony of the sighting or contact the nearest center to help them get to the nearest court.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court added that it “hopes that those who have the ability to observe it pay attention to this matter, join the committees formed in the regions for this purpose, and count the reward for participating.” The authority described moon sighting as an “act of righteousness and piety” which “benefits all Muslims.”
If the Moon is seen on Friday evening, Ramadan 2025 will commence on March 1. However, if the crescent is not sighted, the holy month will begin on March 2.
In the UAE, the country’s International Astronomy Center said Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1. According to Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, director of the Center, the crescent may be visible by telescope in some parts of the Islamic world on 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.
Eid al-Fitr to begin on March 30
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).
