Ramadan is not uniformly observed globally — the start date can vary by country or even be different mosque to mosque in the same city for a variety of reasons. But it all starts with a sighting of the crescent moon.

Ramadan 2025, the holy month of fasting will begin after crescent moon sighting. This year, a rare alignment of Islamic and Gregorian calendars occurs, with fasting possibly starting on March 1 for many countries.

The UAE has called on the public to search for the crescent moon on Friday evening, to determine the start date of Ramadan. The Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighting Committee, formed by the UAE Council for Fatwa,

Observant Muslims worldwide will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts.

Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the 365 days of the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10 to12 days earlier each year. Read on to find out more about what Muslims traditionally do during this month.