Ramadan 2025 will fall on 1st March, making it remarkable that it breaks the rare unification of Islamic Hijri and Gregorian dates with the calendar. This rare phenomenon happens only once every few decades and has sparked interest among Muslims worldwide. In addition to this alignment that details the complex calculus of the lunar Hijri system, it reminds us of the universality of the Ramadan festival celebrated in various cultures and geographical settings.
Hijri Lunar Calendar: The Role of the Crescent Moon
As Abu Zahra, The president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Eng. Majed explained the new month cannot begin unless the crescent moon appears in the Hijri lunar calendar.
The Hijri calendar, which has 354 or 355 days, differs from the Gregorian calendar, which has 365 days in an ordinary year and 366 days in a leap year like 2024: it is shorter by 10 to 12 days. This means that the Hijri months are deferring their beginning in the Gregorian calendar by about 10-12 days yearly, making it take ‘one season’ every other 33 years.
A Rare Collaboration Between Lunar and Solar Cycles
He said that the unusual coincidence of Ramazan 1, 1446, with March 1, 2025, is caused by a remarkable collaboration between the lunar and solar cycles.
Such alignments occur approximately every 33 years, although in different months.
“This rare phenomenon is a testimony to the mathematical and astronomical precision that governs the movement of the moon and the earth,” Abu Zahra stated.
Pondering upon this event calls our attention to the cyclical concept of time and the agreement of those astronomical cycles upon which all calendar systems are built.
Ramadan 2025 Moon Sighted Saudi Arabia Begins Feb 28 Asia March 1
Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin in Saudi Arabia and most Middle Eastern countries on Friday, February 28, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon. In many Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the start date may shift to March 1, depending on local moon sightings. Muslims worldwide will unite in fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection during this blessed month.