Tempo is reporting that Ramadan this year will begin shortly after the new moon toward the end of February and finish at the end of March, coinciding with the first solar eclipse of 2025. To gain a better understand Tempo takes a closer look at the details of the Islamic calendar, as cited from Forbes, Muslim Aid, and the Human Relief Foundation.
When Does Ramadan Start?
As a lunar calendar, the Islamic calendar determines the beginning of Ramadan based on the sighting of the new crescent moon. This year, Ramadan is expected to fall on either Friday, February 28, or Saturday, March 1. The exact date may vary slightly depending on location and the sighting of the moon in different regions.
When Does Ramadan End?
The last day of Ramadan 2025 will be marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival that marks the end of the month-long fast. It will end either on Saturday, March 29, Sunday, March 30, or even Monday, March 31, depending on the sighting of the new moon
Who Determines the Beginning and End of Ramadan?
The exact determination of the beginning and end of Ramadan is controversial. Typically, clerics in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, observe the crescent moon and then verify the beginning and end of the holy month.
However, many Muslims in different regions of the world rely on local sightings, resulting in a slight difference in the start and end dates of Ramadan.
Why Do the Dates of Ramadan Change Every Year?
Ramadan doesn’t fall on the same dates every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, which means it’s about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based.
This difference causes Ramadan to fall about 10 to 12 days earlier each year. Consequently, the dates of Ramadan move earlier through the seasons over time.
Source: Tempo
Stock photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
