Rare Global Alignment for Ramadan 2025..! What You Should Know
Many countries that usually sight the moon on separate nights will observe it on the same evening this year.
Ramadan, a holy month when Muslims across the globe fast from dawn to dusk, is set to begin with the sighting of the moon on February 28. The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, making moon sighting essential in determining the start of Ramadan. Unlike the fixed Gregorian calendar, Ramadan shifts by approximately ten days earlier each year. Traditionally, scholars observe the sky on the 29th day of Sha’ban—if the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan begins the next day. Otherwise, it starts after Sha’ban completes 30 days.
In 2025, an extraordinary synchronization is expected. Many countries that usually sight the moon on separate nights will observe it on the same evening—28 February, possibly leading to a rare global alignment in the start of Ramadan.
Saudi Arabia & the UAE
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court and the UAE’s moon sighting committee will search for the crescent on 28 February. The International Astronomical Centre predicts that the moon will be visible with telescopes across West Asia, Africa, and southern Europe. If sighted, Ramadan will start on 1 March.
India & Pakistan’s Moon Sighting
South Asian countries, which usually observe the moon a day after the Gulf, are also expected to conduct their sighting on 28 February. If confirmed, India and Pakistan will begin fasting on 2 March.
Other Countries
Nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Egypt are also likely to start on 1 March, while the US and UK may either follow local moon sighting reports or Saudi Arabia’s announcement, leading to either a 1 or 2 March start.
Eid al-Fitr 2025
Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, expected to fall on 30 or 31 March, depending on moon sighting. This year’s global synchronisation could bring an unprecedented unity in observing Ramadan worldwide.
