Depending on when the new moon is sighted, the first day of fasting for the majority of countries is probably March 2.
Depending on when the new moon is seen, Mecca will either observe the opening day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, or Sunday, March 2. This time, the Ramadan moon might be seen before Mecca in other nations, particularly in the Western Hemisphere.
The Islamic lunar calendar, which starts with the observation of the crescent moon, determines when Ramadan begins. The beginning of the month is determined by the testimony of moon sighters in Saudi Arabia and other nations with a majority of Muslims.
How can one see the moon during Ramadan?
The crescent must set after the sun in order for the moon to be visible. This makes it possible to see the little sliver of the new moon in the dark sky.
On the night of February 28, the 29th day of Shaaban month in the Hijri calendar, moon watchers turn to face west with a clear view of the horizon in hopes of catching a first look at the crescent moon after the sun sets.
The first day of the fast is March 1st, and the month of Ramadan begins if the moon is visible. If not, Shaaban will last 30 days, with March 2 as the start day of fasting.
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court decides when Ramadan should start after recording the statements of those who have seen the moon.
When does Ramadan start in various nations?
The UK’s Nautical Almanack Office’s Crescent Moon Watch (PDF) moon tracker predicts that the new moon for Ramadan will start on February 28 at 3:45 a.m. Mecca time (00:45 gmt).
Only the Pacific, North America, and portions of South America should be able to see the new moon on February 28.
Even with an optical assistance, it seems unlikely that the majority of the world—including the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia—will be able to see the new crescent.
If the sky are clear in most parts of the world on March 1, it is likely that the new moon will be visible without the use of optical aids.
March 2 will probably be the first day of fasting for the majority of Global South nations.
Depending on whether the new moon is visible on the 29th night of each month, lunar months can last anywhere from 29 to 30 days. The month lasts 30 days if the new moon is not visible.
