Alhamdulillah! The crescent moon has been sighted, marking the beginning of Ramadan 2025. The blessed month will commence on the evening of Friday, 28th February 2025. Whether you start fasting on Saturday or Sunday, we at Islamic Relief UK wish you a heartfelt Ramadan Mubarak!
May this sacred month bring blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. We pray that all our sins are forgiven and our du’as accepted – Ameen!
How is the Start of Ramadan Determined?
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the hilal (crescent moon), but this varies worldwide due to differences in visibility, geography, and atmospheric conditions.
📖 Allah says in the Qur’an:
“They ask you [O Prophet] about the phases of the moon. Say, ‘They are a means for people to determine time and pilgrimage.’”
(Qur’an | Surah al-Baqarah | 2:189)
This lunar calendar system guides Muslims on when to welcome and bid farewell to Ramadan.
Why Does Ramadan Start on a Different Date Each Year?
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, the Islamic calendar is lunar-based. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the hilal, making the start of Ramadan shift by approximately 10-12 days earlier each year.
🌙 The Crescent Moon in Islamic Culture:
The hilal is often seen on the flags of Muslim countries like Pakistan, Türkiye, and Algeria, symbolizing its deep cultural and religious significance.
How is the Crescent Moon Sighted?
The lunar cycle lasts 29.5 days, meaning months are either 29 or 30 days long. On the 29th night of Sha’ban, Muslims look for the hilal.
✅ If the moon is sighted → Ramadan begins the next day
❌ If not visible (due to weather or atmospheric conditions) → Sha’ban completes 30 days, and Ramadan starts the day after
📖 The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whenever you see the new moon of Ramadan, begin fasting. When you see the new moon of Shawwal, break your fast. If the sky is cloudy, fast for 30 days.”
(Hadith | Sahih Muslim, Book 6, Number 2378)
Does Ramadan Start at the Same Time Worldwide?
No, it may differ. Different countries follow different methods for moon sighting:
📍 Global Moon Sighting – Some begin Ramadan once the moon is sighted anywhere in the world.
📍 Regional Moon Sighting – Many follow nearby Muslim countries (e.g., the UK often follows Morocco or Saudi Arabia).
📍 Local Moon Sighting – Some countries start only when the moon is visible in their own region.
Are Ramadan Fasts Always the Same Length?
No, fasting hours depend on location and season.
- The Islamic calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, meaning Ramadan shifts through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- By 2030, Muslims will observe Ramadan twice (January & December) – a rare event that happens every 33 years!
🌎 Northern Hemisphere: Fasting hours will shorten until 2031, when Ramadan coincides with the winter solstice (shortest day). After that, fasts will gradually increase in length.
🌏 Southern Hemisphere: The opposite happens – fasts will lengthen until 2031, then gradually shorten.
Ramadan 2025: Shorter Fasts in the UK
For the first time in years, Ramadan will end before daylight saving time begins, making fasts shorter. Many adults may recall similar fasting hours from their childhood, highlighting the cyclical nature of time.
Ramadan Mubarak! May This Month Bring You Peace, Blessings & Forgiveness
As we begin this sacred journey, let’s embrace spiritual reflection, devotion, and community unity. May our fasts be accepted, our sins forgiven, and our prayers answered – Ameen!
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