Ramadan 2025, which commenced on March 2, is now in its final phase, as Muslims around the globe observe their 22nd fast today. This holy month is a period of great devotion, where fasting from dawn to sunset serves as a profound expression of faith and self-discipline.
During Ramadan, the rituals extend beyond mere fasting. Muslims engage in prayers (Namaz), give to charity, and undertake good deeds, which nurture their spiritual growth. The intricacies of Ramadan's fasting hours vary across regions, necessitating the use of a Ramadan timetable to align with local Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (evening meal) timings.
As the sun rises and sets at different times in various cities, accurate tracking is vital for observant Muslims, who rely on local timings to start and break their fast. Here are the Sehri and Iftar timings for today, March 23, in some major Indian cities:
- Delhi: Sehri at 05:02 AM; Iftar at 06:37 PM
- Mumbai: Sehri at 05:27 AM; Iftar at 06:51 PM
- Hyderabad: Sehri at 05:10 AM; Iftar at 06:40 PM
- Kolkata: Sehri at 04:22 AM; Iftar at 05:50 PM
- Bengaluru: Sehri at 05:11 AM; Iftar at 06:35 PM
- Chennai: Sehri at 05:00 AM; Iftar at 06:21 PM
As seen in these cities, Sehri is the last meal consumed before sunrise, which energizes individuals for the day's fast, while Iftar marks the end of the day's fast, traditionally broken with dates and water, followed by a larger meal.
For Muslims, these meals are not just about nourishment; they hold significant spiritual values. Islam's holy month of Ramadan is a time for introspection and community engagement. It encourages devotees to cultivate gratitude, patience, and compassion. The fast serves as a reminder of the less fortunate, prompting many to extend their generosity through zakat (charity) and feeding the needy.
One spokesperson noted, "The festival offers devotees a chance to introspect, offer prayers, do charity, advance their spiritual growth and seek divine blessings." This notion captures the essence of what Ramadan means for countless believers worldwide as they navigate the spiritual journey together.
However, it's important to check local mosques or community centers for precise timings as they may slightly vary based on local observations and methods of calculation.
In summary, Ramadan embodies a spiritual renaissance for Muslims, filled with deep reflections and rich traditions that strengthen faith and community bonds. As the month progresses, the commitment to prayer, charity, and fasting becomes a transformative experience for the faithful, culminating in the joyous celebration of Eid-al-Fitr at the month's end, when gratitude and community are upheld in communities everywhere.
