Muslims around the world are deeply engaged during Ramadan 2025, which began on March 1 for most countries and March 2 for others. Throughout this holy month, fasting from sunrise to sunset is observed, signifying one of the five pillars of Islam. Community events and traditional practices define the experience of Ramadan, as Muslims come together to observe their faith and support one another.
One significant expression of solidarity occurred on March 16, 2025, when the association 'Femmes d’Alger et d’Ailleurs' organized an Iftar aimed at helping marginalized individuals such as the homeless, migrants, and those without families to share this important moment of breaking fast. "We are currently deep within the month of Ramadan, a time when acts of solidarity multiply. For example, last night, right downtown, the 'Femmes d’Alger et d’Ailleurs' association organized the breaking of the fast for individuals who are alone, migrants, or without homes," reported Jeanne Pastre, Néo Fasquel, Bryan Mommart, and Stéphanie Mira.
Despite being a time of fasting, Ramadan embodies rich communal spirit, where Muslims are called upon to exhibit compassion and charity. The month is marked by both personal and collective sacrifices, culminating with the celebration of Aid Al Fitr, which is contingent upon the observation of the new moon.
Astronomical calculations suggest Ramadan may end on March 30, 2025, with Aid Al Fitr likely to be celebrated on March 31, 2025. It’s common for Ramadan to last either 29 or 30 days, influenced significantly by lunar sightings. This year, specialists indicate Ramadan could likely conclude after only 29 days, as the crescent moon is expected to visibly appear on the evening of March 29, marking the transition to Shawwal.
The observation of the moon is not merely scientific; it is deeply embedded within the religious framework. "The observation at dusk, whether the new moon has been seen or not, leads the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs to announce the official date for Aid Al Fitr," the reports clarify how eleven committees will relocate across Morocco to make these observations, based on thousands of years of tradition.
For countries like France, Muslims maintain their own traditions, with volunteers from various collectives, such as the collective 'B à BA,' also making efforts to observe the crescent launch of the new month from specified locations. Such collaborative spirit has led to renewed calls for organizations to partner with observatory efforts to legitimize these traditions within the broader Muslim community. This really shapes how Ramadan and Aid Al Fitr are not just national but universal observations.
On March 17, 2025, the fasting begins as early as 5:03 AM and ends at 7:02 PM, representing the average duration and the evolution of time due to the changing seasons. The unique timing also reflects the lunar calendar’s impact on the Islamic faith compared to the Gregorian calendar. This variance means the length of the fast stretches daily due to daylight dynamics.
Entering March 21, 2025, Muslims transition to the last decade of Ramadan, marking some of the most spiritually enriched nights. The significant 'Nights of the Power' (Laylat al-Qadr), considered to be the best night within the month— "Seek it during the odd nights of the last ten days"—is one marked by prayers, readings, and community gatherings. There is much fervor among the faithful as they prioritize prayers to find the acceptance and hope of forgiveness as the Islamic calendar draws closer to Aid Al Fitr, resulting from their sincere faith and efforts.
Conclusively, Ramadan transforms lives through fasting, communal bonds, and acts of charity such as the recent Iftar event. Such events bring together individuals from all walks of life to celebrate the essence of community and spirituality. With Aid Al Fitr approaching, the anticipation builds for the communal joy of once again celebrating faith and resilience, highlighting how integral these practices are to Muslim identity and culture.