Ramadhan officially starts on March 2

The Holy Month of Ramadhan will begin on Sunday, March 2, 2025, as there was no sighting of the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, Bangsamoro Grand Mufti and Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta' (BDI), Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, officially announced.

"In accordance with Islamic tradition, when the crescent moon is not visible, the current lunar month is completed as 30 days. Therefore, Ramadhan Fasting 2025 will officially commence on Sunday, March 2, In Shaa Allah," said Grand Mufti Guialani.

Moon sighting, or hilal sighting, is a fundamental practice in Islam that determines the start of a new lunar month. The Islamic calendar follows the moon's cycles, and if the crescent is not observed, the ongoing month is completed before the next one begins.

The practice of moon sighting remains an essential part of Islamic tradition, ensuring the accurate observance of Ramadhan and fostering unity and spiritual preparation among Muslims.

As the Muslim community prepares for the sacred month, believers are encouraged to observe fasting, prayer, and reflection in line with the teachings of Islam.

In a statement Friday, the Office of the Chief Minister in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) issued a memorandum revising regular working hours during Ramadan to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. instead of the regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News