The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan 2025 has been sighted in the UAE, confirming that the holy month will officially begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee made the announcement on Friday evening after verifying the sighting according to Islamic traditions.
Ramadan Confirmed in the UAE and Other Countries
With the moon sighted, Muslims across the UAE will begin their first day of fasting on March 1. Several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, and Turkey, have also confirmed the same start date.
However, in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan, the crescent moon was not visible on Friday. These countries will attempt to sight the moon on March 1, meaning Ramadan will start there on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the holiest months in Islam. It is a time of:
🔹 Fasting (Sawm): Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.
🔹 Increased Worship: Special nightly prayers, known as Taraweeh, are held in mosques.
🔹 Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Acts of generosity and helping the less fortunate are encouraged.
🔹 Self-reflection: Muslims strive for spiritual growth, discipline, and connection with God.
The month lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the next moon sighting, and ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the conclusion of fasting.
UAE Prepares for Ramadan
Ramadan brings changes to daily life in the UAE, including:
Shortened working hours: Government offices and private companies will operate on reduced schedules.
Modified business hours: Malls, restaurants, and cafes will adjust their timings, staying open later at night.
Community Iftars: The UAE is known for hosting large free iftar meals, especially for low-income workers.
Increased religious activities: Mosques will see larger congregations for Taraweeh and other prayers.
Residents and visitors in the UAE are advised to respect local customs, such as refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours.