Muslims in Indonesia begin fasting for Ramadan today, Saturday (March 1), after the crescent moon was sighted in western Aceh. Two witnesses, sworn in by a religious court, confirmed the moon's visibility, leading the government to declare today as the start of 1 Ramadan 1446 H.
Meanwhile, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei will begin fasting on Sunday (March 2). This is due to astronomical calculations that did not meet the imkanur rukyah criteria in those regions.
The method for determining the start of Ramadan in these countries is similar, relying on rukyat—the observation of the crescent moon with the naked eye or optical instruments. In Malaysia, observations were conducted at 29 locations, including Pontian Kecil (Johor) and the Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex (Melaka).
In Singapore, the moon's position on Friday night did not meet the visibility standards agreed upon by MABIMS countries (Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore), leading to the decision to begin fasting one day after Indonesia.
Ramadan Timing Differs Across Nations: Explained
The difference in the start of Ramadan between Indonesia and neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam is due to astronomical factors, particularly the height of the hilal (crescent moon) and its elongation angle.
Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, explained that despite their geographical proximity, the position of the hilal varies in each country.
In Indonesia, the crescent moon was successfully sighted in Aceh, and the testimony of two sworn witnesses, verified by a religious court, served as the basis for declaring 1 Ramadan 1446 H on Saturday (March 1). Meanwhile, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei were unable to observe the hilal, leading them to set the beginning of Ramadan a day later, on Sunday (March 2).
Furthermore, Nasaruddin emphasized that even though the sighting took place in Aceh, the ruling applies to the entire country, as Indonesia operates under a unified legal framework. Therefore, despite differing dates in neighboring countries, Indonesia’s decision remains consistent and valid.
Rare Timing: Ramadan Begins with Calendar Sync in Indonesia
This year’s Ramadan marks a rare moment for Muslims in Indonesia. For the first time in 14 years, the start of fasting coincides with March 1 in the Gregorian calendar. The last time this happened was in 2011.
The difference between the Hijri and Gregorian calendar systems makes such synchronization uncommon. The Gregorian calendar is based on Earth’s 24-hour rotation, while the Hijri calendar follows the cycle from sunrise to sunset.
A month in the Gregorian calendar lasts 29–31 days, whereas in the Hijri calendar, it spans 29–30 days. This difference causes the start of Ramadan to shift approximately 10–12 days earlier each year.
When 1 Ramadan aligns with the first day of the Gregorian month, it becomes easier for Muslims to track the beginning of fasting and count the days that have passed. Such an occurrence happens only once in several decades, making 2025 a uniquely special year.
