All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon the noblest of messengers, our Master Muhammad, and upon his family and all his companions.
Numerous astronomical studies and research efforts have been conducted to estimate the conjunction and birth of the crescent moons, as well as to determine the beginnings and endings of lunar months. However, the fundamental principle in this regard is what has been narrated from the Prophet ﷺ, who said:
“Do not fast until you see the crescent, and do not break your fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you, then estimate it.”
In another narration from Sahih Bukhari and Muslim, he said: “If it is obscured from you, then complete the count to thirty.”
Islamic scholars and jurists have exerted efforts in determining the sighting of the crescent moon, basing their conclusions on two main principles: the unity of moon sighting locations and the difference in moon sighting locations, each of which has its own valid evidence.
Based on astronomical calculations and the possibility of sighting the crescent moon, it is expected—by the will of Allah: The first day of Ramadan 1446 AH will fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025
This estimate follows global moon sighting criteria and the likelihood of sighting the crescent in Mecca and neighbouring countries, as well as in Western nations and the Americas.
Given the unique geographical position of Australia, we adopt the global sighting criterion whenever the crescent is confirmed to be born before sunset and sets after the sun in Australia at the time of observation. This approach ensures that the beginning of the month aligns with the established Islamic rulings and accepted astronomical standards.
Accordingly, we await the official announcement from the Supreme Judicial Court in Saudi Arabia regarding the confirmation of the beginning of Ramadan in case there are any changes to the expected estimation, which is preliminarily set for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
We ask Allah, the Almighty, to allow us to reach this blessed month, to grant us acceptance in it, and to unite the hearts of Muslims upon goodness and righteousness. Indeed, He is capable of all things.
May peace, blessings, and salutations be upon our Master Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President