Many people don’t know this, but Cape Town has a thriving Muslim community, which makes It a great place to spend Ramadan.
Cape Town’s Muslim Population is Approx. 270 000, that is 6.6% of the population.
Ramadan in Islam, the 9th month of the holy calendar and the Holy month of fasting.
When is Ramadan, Cape Town 2025?
Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on Friday, February 28th, and last until Saturday, March 29th. Since Islamic holidays begin and end at sundown, the first full day of fasting will be on Saturday, March 1st (CalendarDate) (Global Highlights) (CalendarZ: Whole world on a single site).
As always, the exact start date of Ramadan can vary slightly depending on the moon's sighting, which is why some sources may mention either February 28th or March 1st as potential starting dates (Zakat Foundation of America) (IslamiCity).
Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on March 30th or 31st, 2025, depending on the length of the lunar month (CalendarZ : Whole world on a single site) (Zakat Foundation of America).
When is the moon sighting for Ramadan in Cape Town?
The moon sighting for Ramadan in Cape Town is typically conducted by the Crescent Observer’s Society, known locally as the "maankykers." They usually gather at designated points, such as Three Anchor Bay, to observe the horizon and search for the crescent moon. For Ramadan 2025, the moon sighting is expected to take place on the evening of Friday, February 28th. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan will commence with the first day of fasting on Saturday, March 1st (Aladhan) (MJC) (Voice of the Cape).
The official announcement regarding the moon sighting and the start of Ramadan will be made after the Maghrib prayers by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) in Cape Town. The community awaits this announcement as it marks the beginning of the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection (Voice of the Cape).
Auwal Mosque in Bo-kaap. The First Mosque was built in South Africa, in 1794. Set against the colour background of Bo-Kaap and Lion's head.
Maankykers, a Cape Town Tradition.
Cape Town has a unique tradition of “Maankykers” which directly translates to Moon Watchers. Members of the Crescent Observers Society visit Three Anchor Bay or the second lookout point of Signal hill to site the moon.
