As the Ramazan moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, and other countries on Tuesday night, wishes poured in from politicians and parliamentarians worldwide for the start of the holy month.
Meanwhile, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the first day of Ramazan in Pakistan is “likely to fall” on Feb 19 (Thursday). However, it said the final announcement will be made by the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee.
United States President Donald Trump, in a statement issued by the White House, sent his “greetings and best wishes to all those celebrating Ramadan”.
“Every Ramadan stands as a reverent season of spiritual renewal, reflective meditation, and appreciation for God’s countless blessings,” he said. “This sacred time for many Americans emphasises prayer and fasting, strengthens familial and community ties, and affirms our shared values of compassion, charity, mercy, and humility.”
He added, “The God-given right to freely worship is a hallmark of our nation and a pillar of our prosperity and strength.
“For this reason, every day, my administration is ensuring that all citizens can practice their faith, follow their conscience, and worship freely — because freedom of religion means the freedom to practice your religion proudly and without fear of persecution.”
He offered prayers for “happiness and fulfillment at home, unity and peace throughout the world, and blessings in the year to come”.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on his official X account, wished Muslims in Canada and around the world “a blessed and peaceful month of reflection and prayer”.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “I extend my best wishes to Muslim communities across Ontario who are observing this sacred month of prayer, reflection and togetherness.”
Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia, also issued a statement on X wishing Muslims in Australia for Ramazan.
“The sacred weeks of Ramadan are a chance for Muslims to reaffirm their faith, to reflect, to forgive and to practice acts of love and kindness,” he said. “It is also an expression of the compassion, gratitude and togetherness that have been the hallmarks of the story of Muslims in Australia.”
He reaffirmed that the country’s “strength, success and unity” was built on the fundamental right of every Australian “to practice their faith in peace and safety, proud of who they are”.
He further acknowledged the grief caused to Australian Muslims by the conflict in the Middle East, saying that there was “much to be done”.
“Over the month ahead, may your faith sustain and comfort you,” he added.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer wished “Muslim communities in the UK and across the world a peaceful and blessed holy month”.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “As Londoners come together to celebrate the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, our capital shines bright as a beacon of hope and diversity. From my family to yours: Ramadan Mubarak.”
The US Democratic Party wished a “reflective and peaceful Ramadan to all who observe” on their X account.
Meanwhile, the House Democrats’ official account also wished “peace, reflection and blessings to you and your loved ones throughout this holy month”.
US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi wished Ramazan Mubarak to “Muslim families in San Francisco and around the world”.
“May this holy month bring peace, wisdom, and blessings through the reflection and spiritual renewal that make Ramadan so meaningful,” she said.
Pete Buttigieg, the US secretary of transportation, sent “warm wishes for peace and joy” to Muslims around the world.
Zohran Mamdani, the recently-appointed mayor of New York City, simply posted “Ramadan Mubarak”, alongside a video showing various iftar foods.
The city council’s Speaker Julie Menin, while wishing the Muslim community, said she had convened a group of Muslim leaders to discuss confronting Islamophobia as well as improving access to halal meals.
“As we begin the holy month of Ramadan, we must recognise the heightened safety concerns many Muslim families are feeling,” she said, stressing that the NYC council was committed to ensuring that “Muslim New Yorkers are safe, respected, and celebrated”.
US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib sent “love” to Muslims around the world during the holy month, saying, “May it strengthen our commitment to build a more just world.”
She also noted that this was the third Ramazan to take place during the ongoing genocide in Gaza and said, “We hold in our hearts the Palestinians still facing violence.”
Meanwhile, US Representative Jim McGovern wished “a blessed month full of peace, hope, prayer, and reflection to all those celebrating in Massachusetts and around the world”.
Rep. Sarah McBride also wished a “blessed and peaceful” Ramazan to all those observing in Delaware and across the globe.
“This holy month is a time of reflection, discipline, and deep compassion for others — a reminder of the strength found in community and the power of service,” she said.
Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the month “a time of reflection, sacrifice, and generosity” and a reminder to lead with “compassion and care for our neighbours”.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said, “Let there be no doubt that our state will continue to shine as a beacon of hope and diversity for all” during the holy month.
Meanwhile, Virginian Governor Abigail Spanberger wished Virginians beginning their celebrations, saying, “I’m wishing you an easy fast and a peaceful, reflective, and joyful holy month.”
Virginian Senator Tim Kaine also wished Muslim communities in the state and around the world a “blessed and meaningful month”.
“I hope this time brings peace and prosperity to all observing,” he said on X.
Californian Senator Adam Schiff wished for a time of “reflection and spiritual growth for you and your loved ones”.
Minnesotan Rep. Ilhan Omar said, “May this blessed month bring peace, hope, and renewal.”
Virginian Rep. Suhas Subramanyam posted a video, saying, “I hope it is a peaceful and reflective Holy Month.”
“May your prayers be answered and may your heart find peace and tranquility,” he said in the video.
