Ramadan Moon Sighting 2025: Rules for Fasting during the sacred month and who is exempt from fasting

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is based on the Moon, Ramadan is almost here. Muslims across the world eagerly await for this holy period, as it is a time of fasting, praying, and moving ahead in one's spiritual journey. Ramadan, which is also called Ramzan or Ramadan Kareem, begins at the end of the Shabaan.
As per reports, this year, Muslim across the world anticipate a rare alignment of the Moon sighting which will mark the beginning of Ramadan. In 2025, many Muslims in countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, will sight the crescent Moon on the same day. The reason: In these countries, the month of Shabaan began on the same date thus leading to the same moment for the beginning of Ramadan.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and moon sighting committees in India, Pakistan, and other countries have announced that Muslims should look for the crescent moon on the evening of February 28, 2025 (Friday). This date matches with the 29th of Shabaan 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar. If the moon is seen after the evening prayer, Taraweeh prayers will begin on the same night, and the first fast of Ramadan will be on March 1, 2025 (Saturday). But if the moon is not spotted, Ramadan will start a day later on March 2, 2025 (Sunday).
All Muslim adults who are fit-- physically and mentally-- can keep a fast for the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from Fajr (i.e. pre-dawn) to Maghrib (i.e. sunset). However, there are certain people who are exempted from keeping the Ramdan fast. These include young children, older people, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who are travelling, and those who are sick. Instead of fasting, such people can help the poor by either providing a meal or donating money.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and comes with specific rules that every Muslim must follow. Here we list some of the rules:
1. Intention (Niyyah) for fasting
A Muslim must sincerely intend (Niyyah) to fast before dawn each day. This intention should be silently made in one's heart, and it should be for the sake of Allah.
2. Fasting time (From Sehri to Iftar)
Fasting during the Ramadan begins at Sehri (which is the pre-dawn meal) and it ends at Iftar (i.e. the sunset meal) every day. Eating, drinking, and other activities that break the fast should be avoided during these times.
3. Things that break the fast and hence should be avoided
Eating or drinking intentionally during fasting hours is strictly prohibited. Smoking or consuming any kind of intoxicants are also a no-no. Even intentionally vomiting is considered to break the fast and hence should be avoided:
4. Tips for fasting
- Have a nutrient-rich Suhoor that will keep you full for longer hours.
– Drink plenty of water and have non-caffeinated beverages. Avoid coffee or tea as they can dehydrate you.
– Take it easy and listen to your body. You can also do light exercises like walking or stretching.
– Be mindful of what and how much you eat at Iftar. Start with khajoor/ dates and water, followed by small portions of food.
5. Spend your day in prayer and doing charity
Ramadan is a time to pause, reflect and pray to Allah. Many people also read the Quran during this holy month and follow its teachings in their daily life. Engage in Taraweeh prayers, give Zakat (charity), and seek others' forgiveness during this auspicious time.
Here's wishing you all a happy Ramadan!