Saudi Arabia Announces Start of Ramadan 2025 Following Moonsighting
Saudi Arabia announces that Ramadan 2025 will start on March 1 after confirming the sighting of the crescent moon, despite earlier cloudy conditions. This date matches forecasts and aligns with neighboring countries. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais celebrated the commencement with a message of goodwill. The announcement also influences observances in the UK, particularly at the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham.
Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Ramadan 2025 will commence on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the crescent moon. Despite challenging cloud cover, which initially hindered visibility, officials confirmed that the moon was observed. In a ceremonial display, beams of colored light illuminated the sky from the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower in Mecca to mark the beginning of this sacred month.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sudais, the Chief Imam of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, expressed his joy, stating, “I congratulate you on entering the blessed month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, the month of fasting and prayer.” The sighting had previously appeared improbable due to extensive cloud cover across the regions of Saudi Arabia, as indicated by officials who reported cloudy conditions at several observatories.
An hour later, however, the announcement regarding the sighting of the crescent moon was made, confirming the body’s visibility. Consequently, Ramadan 1446 is set to begin tonight, with the inaugural day of fasting scheduled for Saturday, March 1. This date aligns with predictions made by the country’s astronomical calendar, and neighboring nations such as Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait will also initiate Ramadan on the same day.
The importance of the Saudi announcement extends beyond its borders, as many in the United Kingdom, including the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham, observe these dates. GLMCC organizes significant public gatherings for the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, thereby further linking the community to the observance of this holy month.
In summary, Saudi Arabia has confirmed the start of Ramadan 2025 on March 1, following a successful moonsighting, despite prior doubts due to weather conditions. The declaration has significant implications for the Muslim community, both locally and internationally, particularly in neighboring countries and the UK, where many groups will align their observances with Saudi announcements.
Original Source: www.birminghammail.co.uk
