News
S'pore Muslims to mark start of fasting month of Ramadan on Mar. 2
The crescent which marks the start of Ramadan was unlikely to be seen above Singapore's horizon on Feb. 28.
March 01, 2025, 12:30 AM
Muslims in Singapore are set to welcome the Islamic month of Ramadan on Mar. 2, 2025.
In a media release by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) on Feb. 28, Singapore Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir announced that the date was determined as astronomical calculations during sunset on Feb. 28 did not meet the criteria to mark the start of the fasting month.
Zakat fitrah rates for 2025 have also been adjusted to reflect "current market conditions" while allowing the Muslim community to perform their religious obligations according to their rice consumption preferences.
Crescent not seen above Singapore
Nazirudin said that the moon was positioned at an angular distance of 5.1 degrees with an altitude of 4.3 degrees during the sunset on Feb. 28.
As such, astronomical calculations concluded that the calculations do not meet the criteria of imkanur rukyah as agreed upon by the member countries of MABIMS (Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore).
This methodology considers two parameters during sunset on the 29th day of the month:
- The altitude of the crescent moon (which must exceed 3 degrees), and
- the degree of elongation of the sun and the moon (which must exceed 6.4 degrees)
Muis said that based on the astronomical calculations, the crescent which marks the start of Ramadan is unlikely to be seen above Singapore's horizon when the sun set.
This means that Mar. 1 will be the 30th and last day of the Islamic month of Syaaban, and the month of Ramadan will start on Mar. 2.
Nazirudin said:
"On this occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to all Muslims in Singapore for a blessed Ramadan.
May we take this opportunity to increase our good deeds during this blessed month, and may God accept our acts of worship and bestow His mercy and forgiveness upon the Muslim community in Singapore."
Zakat fitrah rates adjusted
On 2025 zakat fitrah rates, Muis said in a separate press release on Feb. 28 that the year's rates have been adjusted and determined by its fitrah committee based on the country's staple food, rice.
The rates for 2025 are S$5.00 (normal rate) and S$7.90 (higher rate) per person.
The committee had carried out comprehensive checks on rice prices from November 2024 to January 2025 and found that normal-grade rice prices remained stable, but higher-grade rice prices increased by more than three per cent.
Muis said: "To reflect current market conditions, the committee has maintained the normal Zakat Fitrah rate while adjusting the higher rate for premium rice options."
It added that the approach "ensures market fairness" while allowing Muslims in Singapore to fulfil their religious obligation according to their rice consumption preferences.
On making zakat fitrah payments, Muslims are obliged to pay their zakat fitrah during the month of Ramadan and before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers.
They are also advised to make payment in advance to avoid congestion at physical counters or high online traffic periods.
Top photo via Canva
