How Muslims Determine When Ramadan Begins Each Year
(ANALYSIS) Once again, Muslims across the globe are nearing the arrival of Ramadan — a sacred month in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Ramadan is a time of strengthening our faith, cleansing both body and soul, counting our blessings and giving whatever we can to those less fortunate.
The word hilal originates from the Arabic language and is widely used in Turkish as well as in Urdu. Hilal refers to the first crescent visible after a new moon. The Islamic lunar calendar consists of twelve months, and the sighting of the new crescent moon marks the beginning of each month.
As a result, the start and end dates of Islamic months are determined by the phases of the moon. If the crescent moon is sighted on the 29th day, the month consists of 29 days; if it is not sighted, the month is completed within 30 days.
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“And We have determined phases for the moon
until finally it becomes like an old date-stalk.” (Ya-Sin, Surah 36:39)
This is why, in some years, Ramadan lasts 29 days, while in other years it lasts 30 days. And since the visibility of the new crescent moon varies across the world — much like sunset and sunrise — not everyone is able to see it at the same time or even on the same day. This global variation results in different countries observing Islamic religious holidays such as Ramadan on different dates.
The words saying “Has the moon been sighted yet?” — and the anticipation behind them — are what make both the beginning and the end of Ramadan feel truly special. For 34 years of my life, I relied on official moon-sighting announcements to know when Ramadan would begin and end.
In Pakistan, the sighting of the Ramadan moon is officially recorded and announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (CRHC), a government body responsible for this determination. The committee relies on a combination of verified eyewitness testimonies and scientific data to confirm the sighting.
Each year, as the committee convenes, families across the country gather around their televisions, eagerly awaiting the official announcement. The moment is filled with anticipation, as the declaration marks the beginning of the holy month for millions.
The sighting determines the start of Ramadan according to the lunar Hijri calendar, which shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This same practice is repeated at the end of Ramadan to announce Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the conclusion of fasting.
The moon sighting can sometimes be lengthy, and the moon is occasionally sighted late. Yet the shared excitement, suspense and time spent together as families make the experience deeply meaningful. The announcement confirms either the beginning or the completion of fasting and ushers in the celebration of Eid.
The Ramadan crescent is not merely a celestial marker; its cultural significance is deeply personal and familial. It is often accompanied by stories passed down from older generations’ memories of searching the sky for the moon long before television announcements existed. This practice revives the importance of the Sunnah (“way” or “lifestyle”) of moon sighting, particularly for Ramadan and Eid. Over time, it has become a blend of tradition and technology.
After moving to the United States, I encountered a different approach. In the U.S., multiple methods are used to determine the start of Ramadan.
Under the Central Hilal Sighting Committee (CHC), an umbrella organization established to coordinate local Hilal committees across the country, moon sighting is observed through a nationwide network. Currently, local Hilal committees from 22 states are affiliated with the CHC.
Astronomical calculations are also widely used; however, more traditionalist Muslims emphasize actual visual observation. Some groups follow the “common horizon” criterion, meaning the moon must be visible across a broad region of North America, while others follow Saudi Arabia’s sighting for the sake of unity.
If the moon is not sighted due to weather conditions, the previous Islamic month (Sha‘ban) is completed within 30 days, and Ramadan begins the following day.
The key difference between traditional and modern approaches lies in methodology. Traditional moon sighting relies on naked-eye observation, encourages community participation and may vary based on local conditions.
In contrast, modern methods use astronomical calculations performed by professionals, resulting in more consistent and predictable outcomes worldwide.
Ramadan is a deeply sacred and spiritual month for Muslims, who strive to make the most of it. Each year, its arrival invites us into a time of spiritual growth and renewal. By abstaining from food and water, we come to realize the value of our blessings.
Our prayers remind us of our Creator — Allah and his magnificence, and this sacred time strengthens family bonds as we come together in gratitude, sharing in the blessings he has bestowed upon us.
If you wish to greet your Muslim colleagues, friends, or neighbors during this time, you may say Ramadan Mubarak, Ramadan Kareem or simply Happy Ramadan.
Peace.
This piece was originally published at FaVS News.
Maimoona Harrington was born and raised in Pakistan. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies. As a practicing Muslim with extensive world travel and living in the West, she has devoted herself to spread awareness of Islam as a goodwill gesture. In an effort to do this, she started writing from her own personal experiences with religion, beliefs and life in a different culture. She also has special interest in all the religions and how and why they are all important to its followers. Her primary focus is on the co-existence and harmony between all human beings. Her message is to spread peace not division. She strongly believes that if you want to be closer to your creator then love His creation unconditionally and expect nothing in return for He loves us unconditionally and forgives us no matter how sinful we are!