Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The announcement was made on Friday, February 28, 2025, by Inside The Haramain, a publication focused on the Two Holy Mosques in Islam.
“#Ramadan1446 Crescent has been SEEN in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, Saturday, 1st March 2025 is the beginning of the month of Ramadan,” the publication confirmed in a post.
Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are awaiting the official proclamation from the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, regarding the moon sighting in Nigeria.
The Sultan had earlier urged Nigerian Muslims to search for the new moon on Friday, February 28, 2025, as advised by the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC).
“If the crescent is sighted by Muslims of impeccable character, then His Eminence would declare Saturday, 1st March 2025 as the first day of Ramadan. If not, Sunday, 2nd March 2025 will automatically be the first day of Ramadan,” the Sultan stated in a message signed by NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. The fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is mandatory for all healthy Muslims, except children, the elderly, travelers, pregnant women, and those with health conditions.
The holy month encourages self-discipline, charity, and spiritual growth among the faithful.
