With the holy month of Ramadan underway, Muslims around the globe are observing daily fasts from dawn until sunset, marking one of the most significant periods of devotion and reflection within the Islamic faith. The month started on March 2, 2025, and today, March 4, the third fast will be observed, bringing blessings and mercy to practitioners. Accurate knowledge of Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (evening meal) timings is pivotal for those participating, as it allows for the adherence to the prescribed rules of fasting.
Fasting, also known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it obligatory for all able Muslims, except for those exempt for valid reasons such as illness or travel. Each fast begins at dawn and concludes at sunset, requiring individuals to abstain from food, drink, and other physical desires during daylight hours. According to Islamic teachings, it is said, "Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice." The rewards during this month, as many believe, are multiplied, with good deeds seen as pleasing to Allah, reported at rewards 70 times greater.
The third fast of Ramadan, observed on March 4, is considered symbolic of mercy, emphasizing the idea of true peace coming from the blessings of Allah. To effectively observe the fast, it is important for Muslims to not only maintain discipline but also to accurately capture the timings for Sehri and Iftar. Here are the Sehri and Iftar timings for several major cities across India for March 4, 2025:
- Delhi: Sehri at 05:25 AM; Iftar at 06:23 PM
- Mumbai: Sehri at 05:56 AM; Iftar at 06:46 PM
- Lucknow: Sehri at 05:24 AM; Iftar at 06:10 PM
- Kolkata: Sehri at 04:42 AM; Iftar at 05:41 PM
- Hyderabad: Sehri at 05:20 AM; Iftar at 06:24 PM
- Bengaluru: Sehri at 05:23 AM; Iftar at 06:29 PM
- Ahmedabad: Sehri at 05:53 AM; Iftar at 06:46 PM
- Chennai: Sehri at 05:12 AM; Iftar at 05:19 PM
- Surat: Iftar at 06:44 PM
Following the completion of the third fast, the following day, March 5, 2025, will continue with similar observances across various cities, including Pakistan. Cities across Pakistan have slightly varied timings, and here’s a glance at the Sehri and Iftar timings for March 5, 2025:
- Islamabad/Rawalpindi: Sehri at 5:10 AM; Iftar at 6:07 PM
- Lahore: Sehri at 5:05 AM; Iftar at 6:03 PM
- Karachi: Sehri at 5:36 AM; Iftar at 6:36 PM
- Peshawar: Sehri at 5:15 AM; Iftar at 6:13 PM
- Quetta: Sehri at 5:35 AM; Iftar at 6:34 PM
- Faisalabad: Sehri at 5:10 AM; Iftar at 6:08 PM
- Multan: Sehri at 5:17 AM; Iftar at 6:15 PM
- Bahawalpur: Sehri at 5:33 AM; Iftar at 6:32 PM
- Gujranwala: Sehri at 5:06 AM; Iftar at 6:04 PM
- Hyderabad: Sehri at 5:30 AM; Iftar at 6:31 PM
- Sukkur: Sehri at 5:28 AM; Iftar at 6:27 PM
With these precise timings, Muslims can organize their daily routines around fasting, ensuring they consume adequate nutrition during Sehri and have ample time to enjoy Iftar with loved ones. Iftar is not merely the end of the fast but also symbolizes community and family, traditionally broken with dates and water, followed by larger meals shared with family and neighbors. Eating together plays a significant role, strengthening community bonds and enhancing the spirit of Ramadan.
With hydration and nutrition emphasized during non-fasting hours, it’s also recommended to consume healthy meals during Sehri and Iftar, sustaining energy levels for the fast. Reflection and prayer are fundamental not only individually but also as part of the communal aspect of Ramadan.
These collective practices highlight how Ramadan is not just about fasting but about establishing compassion, empathy, and connectivity within the community. Accurate adherence to Sehri and Iftar times is intrinsic to this experience, allowing Muslims to observe their faith more effectively, strengthening their spirituality and their bond with those around them. Ramadan requires dedication, mitigating hardship, and fostering mindfulness, marking this sacred time as one filled with growth and enlightenment.