As the holy month of Ramadan arrives in 2025, a deep sense of faith and spirituality washes over Muslims in Egypt, particularly during the last ten days.
Throughout this special period, many are eager to partake in the blessed Tahajjud prayer, a significant act of worship where Muslims seek to draw closer to Allah to attain reward and forgiveness, especially in pursuit of the anticipated Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr).
The commencement of Tahajjud prayers for Ramadan 2025 in Egypt is set to be on the night of March 21, 2025, coinciding with Maghrib on Thursday, March 20, and continuing until Fajr on Friday, March 21, as per astronomical calculations.
The optimal time for performing this prayer is during the last third of the night, where the atmosphere of tranquility and reverence significantly impacts the hearts of the worshippers.
Tahajjud prayers will also be observed during other odd nights, such as the 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of Ramadan.
The Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf has allocated over 9,000 mosques nationwide to host worshippers for Tahajjud prayers during the last ten days of Ramadan. Notable mosques that will welcome large numbers of worshippers include Al-Hussein Mosque and Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque in Cairo, alongside other major mosques scattered across all governorates.
Worshippers are advised to verify the prayer times and I'tikaf arrangements at nearby mosques to ensure smooth access for this important devotion.
In order to facilitate an organized environment for I'tikaf and the Tahajjud prayer, the Egyptian Ministry of Awqaf has set crucial guidelines such as the requirement to conduct I'tikaf in comprehensive mosques where Friday prayers are held.
This process involves pre-registration with the mosque administration, prioritizing local residents and regular attendees. Additionally, coordination with the Ministry of Awqaf is essential to manage the numbers to ensure they fit within the mosque's capacity.
On the same day, March 21, 2025, Muslims in the Ismailia Governorate will experience a unique atmosphere of spirituality as they prepare for prayers at their scheduled times, benefiting from the blessed month.
On this day, Fajr prayer will be at 4:26 AM, with sunrise at 5:54 AM. The timings for the other prayers are as follows: Dhuhr at 11:58 AM, Asr at 3:26 PM, Maghrib at 6:03 PM, and Isha at 7:21 PM. With a fasting duration of 13 hours and 37 minutes, the fast begins at Fajr and ends at Maghrib.
Fridays in Ramadan are special, characterized by a heightened spiritual ambiance, as many Muslims strive to perform the Friday prayer in mosques and listen to the sermon that reflects on moral and religious values.
Moreover, there is a noticeable increase in prayers, remembrance, and Quran recitation this day, given its significant standing in Islam.
Local Awqaf officials in Ismailia encourage citizens to uphold the sacredness of these prayers by maintaining calmness within places of worship while also advising those fasting to hydrate adequately post-iftar and consume a balanced suhoor meal to withstand the day’s fasting.
The major mosques in Ismailia are gearing up to host worshippers throughout the Friday prayers and Tarawih prayers, ensuring that their facilities are well-prepared and sanitized. They are intensifying religious classes that highlight the virtues of fasting and the importance of righteous deeds during Ramadan's last ten days.
As the night of March 22 draws near, Suhoor and Fajr prayer times will also be vital information for the worshippers. The duration of fasting for Saturday, March 22, will stretch to 13 hours and 58 minutes, beginning with Suhoor at 2:09 AM, Imsak at 4:09 AM, and Fajr at 4:29 AM.
This holy month, recognized across the globe, lasts 29 days, concluding on March 29, 2025. According to announcements, the inaugural day of Ramadan is noted to be the shortest fasting day with an average of 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the last day is expected to be the longest at about 14 hours and 12 minutes.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar, coming after Sha'ban and preceding Shawwal, and it is distinguished by its significance as it is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no deity but Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger, the establishment of prayer, the giving of alms, the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan."
A unique aspect of Ramadan lies in its connection to astronomical observations. The sky is adorned with celestial bodies that humans have historically utilized to study time through their movements, such as stars, the sun, and moon. These calculations formed the basis of established calendars, further emphasizing the importance of the lunar calendar which plays a crucial role in defining the months.
The lunar or hijri calendar employs the annual cycle of the moon, and Egypt, among several Arab nations, recognizes it officially, having been established by Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab, establishing migration as a point of reference for its inaugural year.
In conclusion, Tahajjud prayers and I'tikaf during Ramadan afford Muslims a significant opportunity to deepen their connection with Allah during the holy month, especially during the highly revered last ten days.
