Ramadan 2025 Start Dates Announced Across Australia, Southeast Asia

An official looks through a telescope for the sighting of the new moon for the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at a religious boarding school in Jakarta. (File photo: Reuters)

Riyadh, February 27, 2025 – Several countries, including Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, have officially announced the start dates for Ramadan 1446H as Muslims around the world prepare for the Holy Month.

Australia Confirms Ramadan Start on March 1

Australia was among the first nations to declare that Ramadan 2025 will begin on Saturday, March 1. The Australia National Imams Council (ANIC) issued a statement after consultations with the Australian Fatwa Council and Grand Mufti Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohamad.

The crescent moon was observed after sunset in Sydney and Perth, confirming the start date. The council stated:

• In Sydney, the sun will set on Friday, February 28, at 7:32 PM (AEST), with the new moon visible for 12 minutes before disappearing.

• In Perth, the sun will set at 6:52 PM (AWST), and the new moon will be visible for 16 minutes.

"This allows sufficient time to sight the new moon for the Month of Ramadan 1446H. Therefore, the Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025," the statement read.

Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines to Begin Ramadan on March 2

In Brunei, authorities confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted, meaning Ramadan will begin on Sunday, March 2.

Similarly, Malaysia’s National News Agency Bernama announced that no moon was sighted, and the first day of fasting will be on Sunday, March 2.

The Philippines followed the same decision. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos stated that Ramadan will begin on March 2, as the moon was not spotted on the expected sighting day.

Indonesia Declares March 1 as First Day of Ramadan

Indonesia’s Ministry of Religion confirmed that Ramadan 1446H will begin on Saturday, March 1 following the crescent sighting Isbat Session in Jakarta.

Global Anticipation for the Holy Month

With countries announcing their official start dates, millions of Muslims are preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The variation in dates is a result of different moon sighting criteria observed across Islamic communities.

As Ramadan approaches, Muslims worldwide await announcements from other regions, including Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East, where moon sighting committees are set to convene on Friday, February 28.