“They ask you about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage.” [al-Baqarah 2:189]
There are mentions of the moon in the Quran as a sign of Allah (SWT). In another verse, Allah (SWT) says:
“Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate yourselves to the sun, or to the moon. And prostrate yourselves to Allah who has created them, if it is Him whom you worship.” [41:37]
The beginning of the month of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, as Islamic months follow the lunar calendar. Ramadan is the ninth month of the calendar and the fourth pillar of Islam. Moonsighting has a deep relevance to the holy month. The believers cannot start fasting until the new moon has been sighted. According to the hadith of the Prophet (SAW), “If you see the new moon then fast, and if you see the new moon then break it/If the new moon is covered by clouds, then determine (approximate) it.” [Muslim]
A new crescent moon is the first time the moon can be seen, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich. In Islam, the new crescent moon marks the beginning of a new month. On the 29th of each month, the Muslims look for the new moon in the sky. In light of the above-mentioned hadith, the length of the month is decided by the visibility of the new moon. If it becomes visible on the 29th, the month is 29 days long. Otherwise, that particular Islamic month will have 30 days.
In Muslim countries, government officials and religious committees are responsible for the sighting of the Ramadan moon. In the UK, mosque managements announce the beginning of the new month. As the start of fasting depends on moonsighting, all Muslims are encouraged to participate in it.
Revive the Sunnah of the moonsighting and make necessary preparations. Royal Museums Greenwich gives some tips to make this easy. In view of these, it is worthwhile to remember that the new moon becomes visible on the western horizon. A telescope or a pair of binoculars might help in getting the first glimpse as the new moon is significantly thin. Another thing to consider is that the sun should be below the horizon. For this purpose, moon sighting is traditionally done straight after breaking the fast at sunset.
The phases of the moon begin with the ‘new moon’. In total, there are eight phases of the moon. The first phase is followed by a waxing crescent when a little part of the lit-up moon can be seen from the Earth. The moon goes through different shapes, which include the first quarter, waxing gibbous, and the full moon.
Different shapes of the moon tell the Muslims about important dates of the Islamic month. The new or waxing crescent marks the start of the new Islamic month and the end of the previous one. The full moon signifies the middle of the month, which is the 13th, 14th, or 15th of the month. These days of the month are also important to Muslims as the Prophet (SAW) encouraged fasting on “the bight days” or “ayyam-al-Beed”. The Prophet (SAW) said:
“Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime, and ayyam al-beed are the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” [al-Nasai, 2420]
The significance of the phases of the moon in determining key dates has been mentioned in the Quran.
“And for the moon We have appointed measured phases, until it turned (pale, curved and fine) like an old branch of date palm.” [ Ya-Sin 36:39]
The anticipated date for the moon sighting Ramadan 2025 in the UK is 28 February, though there may be slight variations based on local visibility. This is a special time to engage in the traditional practice of moonsighting, marking the beginning of this sacred month. To prepare, consider investing in a quality telescope and inviting family and friends to join in this spiritual activity. Keep an eye on announcements, such as those from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, for updates on the Ramadan 2025 moon sighting broadcast.
In the UK, many mosques adhere to moonsighting reports from Saudi Arabia due to challenges in local visibility. For accurate and timely information on whether the moon has been sighted for Ramadan 2025, contact your local mosque or Islamic community centre.
As of now, the moon sighting for Ramadan 2025 UK has not occurred. The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will be visible following the conclusion of the Islamic month of Shaban. Until then, two months—Rajab and Shaban—remain in the Islamic lunar calendar before the Ramadan sighting of the moon. Updates regarding the moon sighted for Ramadan will be shared closer to the date.
One of the holiest nights, the 27th night of Ramadan, is expected to fall near 27 March, depending on the Ramadan moon sighting. Observing this night, which is thought to hold immense blessings, is a cherished tradition for Muslims worldwide.
The last ten nights of Ramadan are significant for Muslims, as one of them contains Laylat-al-Qadr, or the Night of Power. Based on preliminary estimates, these nights might begin around 20 March, subject to the Ramadan moon sighting 2025 UK. The Ramadan Eid moon sighting will also be eagerly awaited, marking the end of this blessed month and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Stay tuned for confirmed dates and plan your observance of Ramadan by participating in the moon sighting in Ramadan and embracing the blessings of this sacred time.
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