Documenting moon sighting reports
Ramadan 2025
In 2025, the Muslim community decided whether Ramadan would begin on Friday, February 28 or Saturday, March 1, based on moon sighting.
When was the astronomical new moon?
Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:45 p.m EST
Moon visibility on February 28th night
Confirmed sighting of moon by Crescent Watch
According to CrescentWatch, there were numerous moon sightings throughout the United States. The moon was seen in NY, VA, NJ, MA, GA, PA, FL, OH, TN, TX, AZ, NV, WA, CA and more. This all occurred 22 hours to 25 hours after the new moon.
Saudi moon sighting
By the time the moon was 14 hours old, an official Saudi account announced that Saudi Arabia had sighted the moon. To be exact, it was 14 hours and 14 minutes after the new moon.
This occurred at 6 pm Saudi time, which is 10 AM EST. To be exact, it was 5:59 PM in Saudi.
Other countries
The moon was not sighted in Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan. The moon was not sighted in Iran. The moon was not sighted by Twelver Shia in Iraq. The Islamic authorities in Morocco did not have a confirmed moon sighting. Thereby these regions started Ramadan on the evening of Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Turkey and most Arab countries started Ramadan with the same schedule as Saudi Arabia.
Some organizations, like ISNA, pre-announced that Ramadan would begin on the night of Friday, February 28, 2025, with complete disregard for the Prophet's ﷺ clear instruction to sight the moon before determining the start of the month.
What does new moon mean?
A new moon happens every month when the Moon is between the Earth and Sun, but it doesn’t block the Sun—it’s just not visible from Earth. On the other hand, a solar eclipse happens when a new moon perfectly aligns with the Sun and Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light.