Saudi Arabia Declares March 1 As First Day Of Ramadan
In an announcement by the Saudi Royal Court, it was declared that the first day of Ramadan 1446H falls on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This decision comes after the crescent moon, marking the start of the holy month, was observed at the Tamir and Hotat Sudair observatories.
The sighting of the Ramadan crescent was confirmed after initial challenges at the Tamir Observatory, where thick clouds obscured the sky. However, the skies eventually cleared, allowing for a successful observation. An observer at the site mentioned that the atmospheric conditions were quite favorable for sighting the moon, with clouds dispersing intermittently.
The Saudi Supreme Court had previously urged the public to look out for the Ramadan crescent on the evening of Friday, February 28, which aligns with the 29th day of Sha'ban. They encouraged individuals to report their sightings, using either the naked eye or telescopes, to the nearest court or observation center.
In related news, the International Astronomy Center, located in the UAE, noted that the crescent moon was visible through telescopes across parts of West Asia, the majority of Africa, and southern Europe on the same day. It was also visible to the naked eye across much of the Americas. Based on this widespread visibility, the Center predicted that most Islamic countries would begin Ramadan on Saturday, March 1.
This synchronization of the Islamic calendar with astronomical observations underscores the blend of tradition and modern science in marking significant religious observances. As such, the beginning of Ramadan 1446H has been officially set, following these detailed observations and announcements.
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