Ramadan begins this weekend for many Muslims around the world. Several countries have already announced the dates for the blessed month, including those in the Arab region, North America, Europe, and Oceania. Further announcements will follow, based on scientific calculations or observations of the lunar crescent. This Friday, religious authorities in several countries took turns officially announcing the dates for the start of Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court declared that Saturday, March 1, would be the first day of fasting, following the observation of the lunar crescent, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). This date has also been confirmed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. In Oman, the Crescent Observation Committee also announced on Friday that Saturday, March 1, 2025, would be the first day of fasting. The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Bahrain also set the start of the fast for Saturday March 1. According to the Grand Mufti of Jordan, the first day of Ramadan in the country is Saturday, March 1. In Iraq, the Office of the Sunni Endowment announced today that the sighting of the crescent moon has been confirmed, and that Saturday will be the first day of Ramadan. Meawhile, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, Mohammad Hussein, declared that Saturday, March 1, will also be the first day of Ramadan. In Egypt, Dar Al-Ifta confirmed that Friday marks the 29th and last day in Sha'ban, based on the sighting of the crescent moon and that Ramadan will begin on 1 March in the country. The same was confirmed in Lebanon. In Europe, other organizations announced the same date, including the Executive of Muslims in Belgium (EMB), following a videoconference meeting of the Council of Theologians. «The EMB invites Muslims to use this month to increase their prayers for the sick and vulnerable, the deceased, and all families grieving the loss of loved ones», reads a press release sent to Yabiladi. In France, the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) has announced that Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. According to their calculations, the month of fasting will end on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with Eid el-Fitr scheduled for the following day. The CFCM extended «its best wishes» to the entire Muslim community. The period of Ramadan is described by the Grande Mosquée de Paris as a time of «fasting, prayer, and generosity». Saturday, March 1, is also the first day of Ramadan in Spain, according to the Islamic Commission of Spain. The Islamic Cultural Center of Italy – Grand Mosque of Rome also announced to the Islamic community in Italy that the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH will begin on Saturday, March 1. In Germany, the dates for Ramadan have also been confirmed. The Council of Muslims in Germany (ZMD) announced that fasting will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and end on Saturday, March 29, 2025, with Eid el-Fitr set for Sunday, March 30, 2025. The ZMD also shared that the Zakāt al-Fiṭr has been set at a minimum of 7.00 euros per person or household, and the Fidyah (compensation for those not fasting) is at least 4.00 euros. The ZMD emphasized that «Ramadan is a time for spirituality, introspection, and community», urging Muslims to reflect on essential values like faith, solidarity, and charity amid the challenges faced in the world today. A Unified Date Based on Astronomical Calculations Across the Atlantic, the Council for Muslim Fiqh in North America (FCNA) has used astronomical calculations, in line with the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), to confirm that «the first day of Ramadan is Saturday, March 1, 2025». In the USA and Canada, Tarawih prayers will begin on Friday evening, with Eid el-Fitr, the first day of Shawwal, set for Sunday, March 30, 2025. The FCNA emphasized that while there may be disagreements over moon sighting details, such differences should not lead to disunity among the community. In Oceania, the National Council of Australian Imams, after consulting with the Australian Fatwa Council, confirmed that Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1. The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohamad, explained that in Sydney, the sun will set on Friday, February 28, at 19:32 (AEST), with the new moon of Ramadan setting at 19:44. In Perth, the sun will set at 18:52 (AWST), and the new moon will set at 19:08. He emphasized that these dates were determined based on a method widely adopted by international scholars, councils, and Muslim countries. The Grand Mufti and the Australian Fatwa Council called on Muslims to respect differing opinions on the start of Ramadan and focus on unity, preserving shared values and interests. ??? ???????????? ?? ??? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ????? – ???? Following extensive consultations with the Imams from the Australian Fatwa Council, the Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamad wishes to make the following… pic.twitter.com/PhR9MDoGsf — Australian National Imams Council (@ImamsCouncil) February 24, 2025 Indonesia has also confirmed the start of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, following observations at 125 sites across the country. In Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council (Muis) announced that the first day of fasting will be Sunday, March 2, 2025. In Malaysia, Muslims will begin fasting on Sunday, March 2, as well, according to an announcement by the keeper of the seal of the rulers, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad. The date was set by order of Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, after consultations and lunar observations at 29 sites across the country. Muslims in Brunei will also begin fasting on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with the announcement made on Radio Television Brunei (RTB) after observing the crescent moon. Tarawih prayers will begin on Saturday evening. Similarly, India's Muslim community will begin fasting on Sunday, March 2, according to an announcement from the Islamic Center in the country. In Japan, the same date was confirmed by the Crescent Observation Committee. Article modifié le 28/02/2025 à 21h09
