As Ramadan progresses, the significance of daily prayers and fasting routines becomes even more pronounced for Muslims around the world. For the year 2025, this holy month began on Saturday, March 1, marking the start of 29 days of fasting as stipulated in the Islamic tradition.
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, which corresponds to the 20th day of Ramadan, the timing for Iftar has been carefully calculated by the Solar Research Laboratory at the National Institute for Astronomical Research in Cairo. According to their predictions, the Maghrib prayer, which signifies the end of the day's fast, is set for 6:06 PM.
The fasting period for this particular day will last approximately 13 hours and 55 minutes, with Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) scheduled for 2:12 AM. The remainder of the day's prayer times include:
- Imsak: 4:12 AM
- Fajr: 4:32 AM
- Sunrise: 5:59 AM
- Dhuhr: 12:02 PM
- Asr: 3:30 PM
- Isha: 7:24 PM
As Muslims eagerly await the hour of Iftar, it is essential to note that the beginning of Ramadan 2025 was marked by significant variance in fasting hours throughout the month. The first day witnessed the shortest fasting duration, approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the last day will extend up to 14 hours and 12 minutes, illustrating the physical and spiritual endurance required during this sacred time.
Ramadan holds a unique significance in the Islamic calendar, being the ninth month and a time when Muslims around the globe engage in fasting from dawn until sunset. As stated by various scholars, fasting during this month is one of the five pillars of Islam, a practice that cultivates empathy for the less fortunate and bolsters spiritual discipline. The Prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying, “Islam is built on five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger, establishing prayer, giving alms, pilgrimage to the house [Kaaba], and fasting in Ramadan.”
In addition to self-restraint, Ramadan also emphasizes charity and kindness. Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their lives, seek forgiveness, and connect with loved ones. The sense of community often grows stronger during this month, as families and friends gather to break their fasts together.
Throughout the month, prayer times remain a vital aspect of daily life for Muslims. The practice of adhering to specific prayer times signifies both discipline and devotion, making it an integral part of Ramadan. The prayer times guide them in their daily routines, aligning their activities with the worship central to their faith.
The Islamic Hijri calendar, which relies on lunar cycles, underpins the observance of Ramadan. This system, established by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, uses the moon's phases to determine the months. As a result, the timing for Ramadan and other Islamic events shifts from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. This unique consideration of time can lead to variations in Ramadan's start dates around the globe, with different countries observing it on slightly different dates based on local moon sighting practices.
As the world observes Ramadan, many Muslims in various nations implement communal Iftar meals, where they share traditional dishes that often reflect their cultural heritage. This practice brings people together and strengthens bonds of friendship and compassion, reminding them of their shared faith and commitment to serving the community.
As the 20th day of Ramadan approaches, many look forward to the unity and tranquility that this month brings into their lives. While the fasting may pose challenges, the spiritual rewards and communal aspects of the month make it a revered time.
To summarize, the 20th of Ramadan offers a moment of reflection and connection not just within homes, but across the globe as Muslims unite to observe this holy period. The calculated prayer times serve as reminders of the tradition’s deep-rooted importance, guiding them through the spiritual journey that is crucial to their faith.
For those living outside of Cairo, it is recommended to take local time differences into account as they plan their meals and prayers. With Ramadan creating a rhythm of worship and community, it is a time for personal growth and collective support, an essential chapter in the lives of millions practicing their beliefs.
