The blessed month of Ramadan, a time of reflection, contemplation, and celebration for Muslims all over the world, is almost here.
Allah says in the Quran, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Qur’an 2:183
According to astronomical calculations, Muslims worldwide will welcome the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
In North America, a statement from the Fiqh Council of North America “The Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025.”
“So, the first day of Ramadan is Saturday, March 1, 2025, insha’Allah. Tarawih prayer will start on Friday night.”
FCNA and the European Council for Fatwa & Research usually follows the same criterion in deciding the beginning of hijri months.
The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) states that the sighting is not a requirement but just the means of ascertaining the beginning for a new month, and that is now attained by exact calculations.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint, and good deeds.
It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.
Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.
AboutIslam.net wishes you all a happy, blessed Ramadan.
SOURCE: https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/world/ramadan-starts-march-1-in-north-america-europe/
