In most parts of the world, Ramadan commenced on either February 18 or 19, including significant Muslim populations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India. However, Fiji and New Zealand are uniquely positioned to start Ramadan later, on February 20, due to the absence of the moon sighting needed to confirm the month’s beginning. The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the Fiji Muslim League have announced that no sighting of the crescent moon occurred on the evening of February 18, which according to the Islamic calendar corresponds to the 29th of Sha'ban.

As a result, February 19 will mark the completion of the month of Sha'ban, and fasting for Ramadan will commence on February 20. Both organizations clarified that based on astronomical calculations, the geographical location of New Zealand and Fiji did not allow for the moon to be visible on that day, whether viewed with the naked eye or using telescopes. This announcement highlights the significance of moon sighting in determining the start of Ramadan, a practice deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and cultural observances.

The implications of this delay underscore not only the importance of celestial observations in Islamic life but also reflect the varying ways Ramadan is observed around the world. While the Islamic community embraces the start of Ramadan for spiritual reflection and fasting, these differences in lunar visibility serve as a reminder of the diverse practices that exist within the global Muslim community.