Ramadan 2025: Moon Sighting's Crucial Role
Ramadan 2025: Beginning of the Lunar Month and the Significance of Moon Sighting
Ramadan, the holiest period for the Islamic world, is a time when Muslims fast, pray, and practice self-restraint to draw closer to Allah. Due to the lunar-based Islamic calendar, the start of Ramadan varies each year, determined by the moment of moon sighting, which indicates the beginning of this sacred period. In 2025, this moment is expected on Friday, February 28, when Muslims in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are again called to observe the moon.
The Role of Moon Sighting at the Start of Ramadan
According to Islamic traditions, Ramadan begins when the new moon is sighted. This process is not merely symbolic but holds practical significance, as moon sighting confirms for believers that the month of fasting has begun. In the UAE, the task is carried out by the Ramadan Crescent Sighting Committee, which operates under the authority of the Emirates Fatwa Council.
The committee calls upon Muslims on Friday, February 28, after the Maghrib prayer (prayer after sunset) to assist in moon sighting. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan will start on March 1. If not seen, the holy month will begin on March 2. According to the UAE International Astronomical Center, March 1 is the more likely start, but ultimately it depends on the moment of moon sighting.
The Umm Al Qura Calendar and Lunar Months
In the United Arab Emirates, the Umm Al Qura calendar is used for determining Islamic dates. This calendar is based on lunar months which can be 29 or 30 days long. The month of Ramadan is the 9th month in this calendar, and moon sighting is essential for determining its exact start.
Moon sighting is crucial not only in the UAE but also in other Muslim countries. For example, Saudi Arabia also calls on Muslims for moon sighting on February 28, demonstrating how this tradition unifies Muslim communities worldwide.
Impact of Ramadan on Daily Life
Ramadan holds not only spiritual but also social and economic significance. In the UAE, both governmental bodies and the private sector adapt to the holy month. Government employees have shorter work hours, while in the private sector, work hours are reduced by two hours daily. This allows believers more time for prayers, family, and community events.
During Ramadan, nights in the Emirates are extended, with people gathering for iftar (meal to break the fast), and city lights creating a special atmosphere. Dubai, the UAE's largest city, celebrates Ramadan with impressive decorations and lighting each year, providing an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.
The Essence of Ramadan
Ramadan is not only about fasting. This period encourages believers to practice self-restraint, self-reflection, and help the poor. Zakat, or mandatory almsgiving, is an essential part of Ramadan, with many Muslims placing greater emphasis on charity during this time.
Thus, the determination of moon sighting and the start of Ramadan is not just a technical issue but a tradition that connects the past with the present and unites Muslim communities worldwide. In 2025, believers once again have the opportunity to collectively anticipate the moonrise and the start of the holy month while building a deeper spiritual connection with God and each other.
The United Arab Emirates, as a central hub of the Islamic world, reminds us each year that Ramadan is not just a month but a lifestyle reflecting the values of faith, love, and unity.
