Ramadan commences when a small sliver of the moon, known in astronomical terms as the “waxing crescent,” emerges and becomes visible. And that’s true across the Islamic world.

For nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world, Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, spiritual connection and community. Here's what to know about the sacred Islamic month as it begins.

Ramadan is expected to begin around March 1 and last through around March 29, according to the Islamic Network Group. The exact date always depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Ramadan ends this Saturday with a day of celebration, Eid al-Fitr. This day leaves an element of reflection on whether Allah will afford me another Ramadan next year. Advertisement.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan will end this weekend, hours after a partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, visible from North America, Europe, Africa and Russia.

For the first week of Ramadan, Palestinians in Gaza marked the holy month with a respite from war. Then Israel broke a ceasefire with Hamas. The fighting and blockade mean there's little to celebrate.

Ramadan commences when a small sliver of the moon, known in astronomical terms as the “waxing crescent,” emerges and becomes visible. And that’s true across the Islamic world.