Saudi Arabia Announces Ramadan 2025 Start Date Following Moonsighting

Saudi Arabia has announced that Ramadan 2025 will commence on March 1 following a moonsighting, despite initial concerns over visibility due to cloud cover. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais congratulated Muslims on this significant month, marking it with special light displays in Mecca. Neighboring countries will also observe the same start date for Ramadan.

Saudi officials have officially announced the commencement of Ramadan 2025 following a moonsighting, despite challenging weather conditions with cloud cover. The first day of Ramadan, requiring daily fasting, will be Saturday, March 1. In a celebratory display, beams of colored light illuminated the sky from the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower in Mecca to mark the beginning of the holy month.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais, the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, conveyed his congratulations on the arrival of Ramadan, emphasizing it as a significant month for fasting and reflection, during which the Qur’an was revealed. Initially, officials had expressed concerns regarding visibility, noting the difficulty in observing the crescent moon due to the presence of clouds across various regions of the kingdom.

After some anticipation, officials confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon about an hour later, declaring, “The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Ramadhan 1446 will begin tonight.” As Islamic days run from sunset to sunset, Ramadan is set to officially commence with evening Taraweeh prayers on Friday, February 28, with the first day of fasting observed on March 1.

Neighboring countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait will also observe the start of Ramadan on March 1, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s predictions. These announcements are significant, as they are frequently followed by communities in the United Kingdom, such as the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham, known for organizing major public gatherings for Eid celebrations.

In summary, Saudi Arabia has confirmed the start of Ramadan for 2025 on March 1 following a successful moonsighting, illuminating the celebratory occasion with light displays in Mecca. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais highlighted the spiritual significance of this month, which is marked by fasting and prayer. The unity of the Islamic calendar across neighboring countries further emphasizes this important period of devout reflection.

Original Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk