Ramadan starts on March 2, Bangsamoro mufti declares

(INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO/JEOFFREY MAITEM)

MANILA, Philippines — The holy month of Ramadan will begin on March 2 (Sunday), Bangsamoro Grand Mufti said on Friday.

“The crescent moon was not sighted today,” Bangsamoro Grand Mufti and Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’, Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, said in a statement.

“Therefore, Ramadhan Fasting 2025 will officially commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, In Shaa Allah,” he also said. 

Per Islamic tradition, when the moon is not visible, the current lunar month is completed in 30 days. 

 Moon sighting, or hilal sighting, determines the start of a new lunar month as the Islamic calendar follows the moon’s cycles, and, when the crescent is not seen, the month is completed before the next one begins.

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.

 For 30 days, Muslims worldwide will observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset.

During this period, the faithful abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs.

Ramadan is also a time for self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity.