The Pak Global Pakistan:
The first day of fasting for Ramadan in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, will fall on either Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19, depending on the sighting of the new moon. Different countries follow varied approaches—some rely on traditional moon sightings, while others use astronomical calculations—to decide the beginning of this sacred month.
Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. In Saudi Arabia and many Muslim-majority countries, the testimonies of moon observers guide the official announcement. For a visible new moon, the crescent must set after the sun, allowing the sky to darken enough to spot it.
On the night of February 17, observers in Mecca will look westward after sunset for the crescent. If sighted, Ramadan will begin on February 18; if not, the previous month, Shaban, will complete 30 days, and fasting will start on February 19. The Saudi Supreme Court will make the final decision based on these testimonies.
Astronomers highlight three key factors for moon visibility: elongation (distance from the sun), altitude (height above the horizon), and lag time (interval between sunset and moonset). For clear naked-eye sighting, the moon generally needs to be about 10 to 12 degrees away from the sun, at least 10 degrees above the horizon, and visible for at least 45 minutes after sunset.
According to the UK’s Nautical Almanac Office, the new moon will begin on February 17 afternoon Mecca time, but the crescent will only be visible for about three minutes after sunset, making it unlikely to be seen that evening. Therefore, globally, Ramadan is expected to start on February 19.
In North America, organizations like the Fiqh Council of North America and Islamic Society of North America have announced February 18 as the start date, based on their moon calculations. In Europe and parts of the Middle East, including Turkey, the first day is expected to be February 19 due to the moon’s visibility conditions.
Most Asian and African countries, along with Australia, are also anticipating February 19 as the start of Ramadan. Singapore has officially confirmed this date, and South Asian countries like India and Pakistan are forecasting the same.
Ramadan holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the month when the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad around 1,450 years ago. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, smoking, and other worldly pleasures to enhance their consciousness of God, known as “taqwa.”
Fasting is one of Islam’s five pillars, alongside faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Muslim-majority countries adjust their working hours and close restaurants during fasting hours to accommodate observance.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims exchange greetings such as “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” wishing each other a blessed and generous month.
