By Damilola Adeleke

Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Ramadan 2025 will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the crescent moon. With this confirmation, more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide will commence the annual observance of fasting from sunrise to sunset.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, follows a 354- or 355-day cycle, which makes its start date vary each year. Fasting during this holy period is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims. However, exemptions are granted to young children, individuals who are ill, travelers, and women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating.

For centuries, Muslims have relied on moon sighting to determine the beginning of Ramadan as well as the two major Islamic celebrations, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The official confirmation by Saudi authorities signals the start of the month-long spiritual observance, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity.

In many Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, work and school hours are adjusted to accommodate the fasting schedule. Muslims around the world are now preparing for the sacred month, which is a time of spiritual renewal, devotion, and communal gatherings.