Anyone who has ever tried to plan meals around a moving date knows the frustration. For the 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, the start of Ramadan 2025 has been officially set: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed March 1, 2025, after the crescent moon was sighted on February 28. This guide brings together the confirmed dates, daily practices, and most-asked questions so you know exactly what to expect.
Ramadan 2025 Start Date (Saudi Arabia): March 1, 2025 (evening of February 28) · Number of Fasting Days: 30 · Eid al-Fitr 2025: March 30 or 31, 2025 · Average Fasting Duration (London): ~13–14 hours
Quick snapshot
- Exact start dates in countries not following Saudi Arabia may shift by one day based on local moon sighting (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- The exact end of Ramadan depends on the crescent moon of Shawwal (Middle East Eye) (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- The meaning of “tung tung tung sahur” is not a formal Islamic concept; its viral origin is from social media (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Late February 2025: Moon sighting committee announces start (Saudi Press Agency)
- February 28 evening: First night of Ramadan (Saudi Press Agency)
- March 1: First day of fasting in Saudi Arabia (Saudi Press Agency)
- March 30 evening: Last day of fasting (Middle East Eye) (Late February 2025: Moon sighting committee announces start (Saudi Press Agency))
- Moon sighting for Shawwal on March 30 evening (Middle East Eye)
- Eid al-Fitr on March 30 or 31, depending on sighting (Middle East Eye)
- Preparations for Shawwal moon sighting
Five key figures sum up the shape of Ramadan 2025, from the official start to fasting hours.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Expected Start (evening) | February 28 or March 1, 2025 |
| Saudi Confirmed Start | March 1, 2025 |
| Duration | 30 days |
| Eid al-Fitr (expected) | March 30/31, 2025 |
| Typical Fasting Hours (London) | 13–14 hours |
| Moon sighting method | Crescent visibility on 29th Sha’ban |
| Fasting requirement | Dawn to sunset: no food, drink, or marital relations |
What this means: The dates are locked for Saudi Arabia, but a one-day ripple is possible for other countries.
When is Ramadan 2025?
What are the exact start and end dates?
- Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, or Saturday, March 1, depending on moon sighting (Middle East Eye).
- Saudi Arabia officially announced Ramadan begins on March 1, 2025 (Saudi Press Agency).
- The month will last 30 days, ending on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025 (Middle East Eye).
Has Saudi Arabia confirmed the start?
Yes. The Saudi Supreme Court called on Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan on Friday evening, 28 February 2025 (Saudi Press Agency). After the crescent was sighted, the Saudi Press Agency announced that Ramadan 1446 AH would begin on Saturday, 1 March 2025 (Saudi Press Agency).
When does Ramadan start in different countries?
Countries that follow the Saudi announcement – including many Gulf states – also started on March 1 (Middle East Eye). Some nations, like Pakistan and Indonesia, rely on local moon sighting and may start either on March 1 or March 2 (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The Islamic lunar month begins when the new crescent (hilal) is sighted, which is why official Ramadan start dates can differ by country.
If you live outside the Gulf, always check your local religious authority’s announcement – a one-day shift is routine.
The implication: confirm with local authorities to avoid confusion.
What is sahur?
What time does suhoor end?
- Sahur (suhoor) is the pre‑dawn meal eaten before the Fajr prayer and the start of the daily fast (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- It ends at dawn (Fajr) – precise times vary by location and date.
- For UK Muslims, check What Time is Iftar Today – Complete UK Guide for Ramadan 2026 for local timetables.
Why is suhoor important in Ramadan?
It provides energy and hydration for the day; skipping it is discouraged but not mandatory (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The Prophet Muhammad recommended eating suhoor, saying it contains blessings (barakah). A 2-4-2 hydration rule is often shared: drink 2 glasses of water at iftar, 4 during the night, and 2 at suhoor – though it is not a religious obligation.
What is the meaning of ‘tung tung tung sahur’?
The viral ‘tung tung tung sahur’ video is a cultural alarm meme, not a religious term. It originated on social media as a humorous wake‑up call for suhoor. No Islamic text uses the phrase.
The pattern: suhoor is a practical tradition, not a rigid rule.
Will there be two Ramadans in 2025?
Why do people ask about two Ramadans in one year?
Because the Islamic lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, the month of Ramadan drifts earlier each year. In some years, this drift can cause two Ramadans to fall within a single Gregorian calendar year. However, that does not happen in 2025.
When will two Ramadans occur?
The next occurrence will be in 2030, when Ramadan will begin in January and again in December (Middle East Eye). For 2025, there is exactly one Ramadan.
Confusing the 2030 double-Ramadan with 2025 is common online. Double-check any headline claiming two Ramadans in 2025 – it’s false.
The implication: always verify claims about two Ramadans with reliable sources.
Can I kiss my girlfriend during Ramadan?
Is kissing allowed while fasting?
- During fasting hours (dawn to sunset), sexual activity and anything that leads to ejaculation is prohibited (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- Kissing is generally allowed if it does not lead to arousal or swallowing saliva.
- Scholars advise couples to avoid passionate kissing during daylight to maintain mindfulness of the fast.
What about hugging or other intimacy?
Simple hugging and holding hands are usually permitted. The key limit is anything that could break the fast by causing ejaculation or swallowing fluids. After iftar, all marital intimacy is allowed.
What breaks the fast?
- Eating or drinking intentionally
- Smoking
- Sexual intercourse
- Vomiting intentionally
Exemptions apply for travelers, the sick, pregnant women, and menstruating women (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
Kissing is technically allowed, but many scholars recommend restraint. The safer path: wait until iftar.
The pattern: restraint during daylight is the recommended approach.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2025?
What day does Eid al-Fitr fall on in 2025?
- Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected on Monday, March 31, 2025, though some countries may celebrate on Sunday, March 30, depending on the moon sighting of Shawwal (Middle East Eye).
- It marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal.
How is the date determined?
Local moon sighting committees search for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th day of Ramadan. If sighted, Eid is the next day; if not, Ramadan completes 30 days and Eid follows.
What is the significance of Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is a joyous celebration with prayers, feasting, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and family gatherings. It is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries.
The implication: prepare for either date to avoid last-minute disruption.
Do Muslims go to bed early?
How does Ramadan affect sleep patterns?
Many Muslims adjust their sleep schedule to wake up for suhoor and may sleep earlier than usual. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that Ramadan can shift circadian rhythms, leading to earlier bedtimes (NIH study).
Is there a traditional sleep schedule during Ramadan?
There is no religious obligation to sleep early; it is a practical adaptation for fasting. Some people split sleep into two segments: a few hours before suhoor and a nap during the day.
What this means: Adjust your routine gradually in the week before Ramadan to avoid sudden sleep disruption.
Timeline of Ramadan 2025
- Late February 2025: Moon sighting committee announces start of Ramadan (Saudi Press Agency).
- February 28, 2025 (evening): First night of Ramadan (Taraweeh prayers begin) (Saudi Press Agency).
- March 1, 2025: First day of fasting (Saudi Arabia and many countries) (Saudi Press Agency).
- March 30, 2025 (evening): Last day of fasting; moon sighting for Shawwal (Middle East Eye).
- March 30/31, 2025: Eid al-Fitr celebration (Middle East Eye).
The pattern: mark these dates but confirm locally for exact shifts. For a detailed breakdown of the Ramadan 2025 timeline, Halal Snack Pack explained.
Confirmed facts
- Saudi Arabia announced Ramadan begins March 1, 2025 (Saudi Press Agency).
- Ramadan 2025 is 30 days long.
- There is only one Ramadan in 2025 (Middle East Eye).
- Eid al-Fitr will fall on March 30 or 31 (Middle East Eye).
The takeaway: these dates are authoritative for Saudi Arabia and following countries.
What’s unclear
- Exact start dates in countries not following Saudi Arabia may shift by one day (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- The exact end of Ramadan depends on crescent moon of Shawwal (Middle East Eye).
- The meaning of “tung tung tung sahur” is not a formal Islamic concept; its viral origin is from social media.
The pattern: local sighting introduces uncertainty for non‑Gulf Muslims.
“Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court called on Muslims in the Kingdom to sight the crescent moon of Ramadan on Friday evening, 28 February 2025.”
Saudi Press Agency
“Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.”
“Circadian rhythms can shift during Ramadan, leading to earlier bedtimes and changes in sleep architecture.”
“Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on 28 February or 1 March, and Eid al-Fitr will fall around 30 or 31 March.”
For the estimated 4 million Muslims in the UK, the choice is clear: confirm your local mosque’s moon sighting, adjust your sleep gradually, and plan Eid celebrations for the last weekend of March. Miss that window, and you could be breaking fast alone.
How many hours do Muslims fast during Ramadan 2025?
Fasting hours vary by location. In London, the average is ~13–14 hours; in northern cities it can be longer, and in southern cities shorter. Use a local timetable.
What is the significance of the moon sighting?
The Islamic lunar calendar begins each month with the sighting of the new crescent (hilal). This natural cycle is why Ramadan shifts ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year.
Can you drink water during the fast?
No. Drinking water intentionally during daylight hours invalidates the fast. Hydration is encouraged during the night between iftar and suhoor.
What are the exemptions from fasting?
Travelers, the sick, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and menstruating women are exempt. They can make up missed days later or offer fidya (compensation) if unable.
What is Iftar?
Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the fast at sunset. Traditionally, dates and water are consumed first, followed by a full meal.
Is Ramadan a holiday?
Ramadan is a month of worship, not a holiday in itself. However, Eid al-Fitr, which ends Ramadan, is a major holiday.
What is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is the holiest night of the year, believed to be in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Worship on this night is said to be better than 1,000 months.
Do children have to fast?
Pre-pubescent children are not required to fast. Many begin fasting gradually as they approach puberty. Some children fast for a few hours as a training exercise.
Related reading: What Time is Iftar Today – Complete UK Guide for Ramadan 2026 · What Does Mashallah Mean? Usage, Reply & Examples
For a detailed breakdown of how Islamic authorities determine the exact start of the holy month, readers can refer to the confirmed Ramadan 2025 start dates guide.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.