The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’i method for determining the beginning of Lunar months, including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses the criteria of the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which are that somewhere on the globe, at the sunset, the elongation should be at least 8 degrees and moon should be at least 5 degrees above horizon. If these conditions are met, then it is certain that the moon is above the horizon and will be visible somewhere on the globe. Hence the new lunar month will start the next day, otherwise it will start on the day following the next.
Based on these calculations, the dates of Ramadan and ʿEid al-Fitr are established. May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen.
Ramadan 1446 AH: The Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025. So, the first day of Ramadan is Saturday, March 1, 2025, insha’Allah. Tarawih prayer will start on Friday night.
ʿEid al-Fitr 1446 AH: The Astronomical New Moon will be born on the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025. On that evening the elongation is more than 8 degrees and the moon is more than 5 degrees above the sun. Hence the first day of Shawwal (ʿEid al-Fitr) is Sunday, March 30th, 2025, insha’Allah.
For ʿEid al-Adha, the Fiqh Council of North America decided that the determination of the date will be contingent on the announcement by the Hajj authorities in Makkah of the day of ʿArafah, in which case ʿEid al-Adha will be the day following the day of ʿArafah.
While the Fiqh Council itself strongly encourages calculations for Ramadan, as it is the best option to bring about unity and avoid confusion and chaos, we also accept the validity of other opinions, and encourage all Muslims to follow their local masjids and keep each community as united as possible. Disagreements on the technicalities of moonsighting should not result in disunity of our hearts.
We pray Allah blesses the Ummah with peace and prosperity!
Fiqh Council of North America