Suhoor Time Alert: When Millions Begin Ramadan Fasting Worldwide
Tonight, Muslims around the world will prepare for the pre-dawn meal known as suhoor, the final nourishment before a day of fasting during Ramadan. But this year, the timing of that first fast isn’t uniform. The reason lies in the Moon itself—a celestial signal that has guided Islamic timekeeping for centuries.
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, meaning its start shifts slightly each year. Communities rely on the first visible crescent Moon to determine when fasting begins. But visibility varies depending on weather, geography and the Moon’s exact position. A crescent visible in one country might remain hidden in another. For example, in Saudi Arabia, the new Moon was sighted on February 17, prompting a start to Ramadan there on Wednesday, February 18. In contrast, much of Europe, the UK and North Africa will likely begin fasting a day later, on Thursday, February 19. Countries further east, like Australia, may not begin until Friday, February 20.
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This practice is more than a ritual—it’s a connection to centuries of tradition and astronomy. Observing the Moon is challenging. The crescent can be thinner than a sliver, barely visible to the naked eye just hours after it emerges. Astronomers often marvel at spotting such a young Moon, sometimes requiring binoculars or specialized telescopes. Yet for communities, it’s not just a scientific exercise; it’s a moment of communal unity, as families and neighbors gather to witness the Moon together, bridging both faith and human curiosity.
History shows that Moon sighting can also create divisions. In the UK, for decades, migrant Muslim communities struggled with cloudy skies and differing sightings abroad. This sometimes meant that families and friends celebrated Eid on different days. Initiatives like the Moonsighters Academy and local lunar observation groups are working to unify these observations, making communal sightings more accessible and consistent across regions.
Suhoor tonight is therefore both practical and symbolic. It signals the start of a day of fasting, reflection and community, but also reminds us how human practices remain deeply linked to natural cycles. From the deserts of Saudi Arabia to city rooftops in London or Cape Town, millions will rise before dawn, guided by the Moon, in a shared act that has been observed for over a millennium.
As Ramadan unfolds, the act of looking up at the sky, seeking that delicate crescent, ties people across continents together in faith and observation. Stay with us as we continue to track Moon sightings, share fasting schedules and explore the stories behind this ancient and living tradition.
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