Ramadan 2025 has begun, marking another month of fasting, reflection, and community for millions of Muslims around the globe. This sacred month started on the night of February 28, 2025, with the sighting of the moon, and the first full day of fasting fell on March 1. Ramadan will conclude on March 29, leading to the joyous celebration of Id al-Fitr, known as Urazа-Bayram, which will be observed on March 30.
Muslims believe Ramadan is not solely about abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset; it is also regarded as a time for deep personal reflection and purification of the heart. Throughout this meaningful month, Muslims engage actively with their spirituality by refraining from sinful actions, focusing on prayer, charity, and community service.
Camil Hazrat Samigullin, the Mufti of Tatarstan, conveyed his heartfelt greetings to residents at the commencement of Ramadan, emphasizing the timeframe's significance aligning perfectly with the onset of spring. "The essence of fasting is to strengthen morality, health, and the desire to start anew, free from sins, foul language, and conflicts," he stated, inviting members of the community to join the charitable campaign titled “Ramadan – Month of Good Deeds.” This initiative features various activities aimed at aiding those less fortunate, culminated by a traditional communal iftar, set to take place on March 19.
The importance of Ramadan is deeply rooted within the Islamic faith, acknowledged as one of its Five Pillars along with shahada (declaration of faith), salah (prayers), zakat (charity), and hajj (pilgrimage). It is mandatory for adult Muslims, with exemptions made for children, the sick, travelers, and for women during menstruation or postpartum recovery. Significantly, fasting aims to cultivate self-discipline, and control over one's desires, as well as promoting empathy for the less fortunate.
During Ramadan, Muslims practice self-restraint, not just from food, but also from negative behaviors such as gossip, anger, and anything deemed sinful. Engaging in vile behavior can compromise the very spirit of Ramadan. Fasting is predominantly observed from suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) until iftar (the evening meal to break fast), and Muslims traditionally break their fast with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
This year’s Ramadan is marked by various communal activities. For example, just after sunset on March 1, congregational taraweeh (extra prayers performed at night) will commence, previously not held widely due to various factors over recent years. Religious gatherings are anticipated to fill mosques across communities, fostering unity and shared spirituality.
A notable event scheduled for Ramadan is the kurultai, or Muslim congress, set to be held on March 19, where the delegation from Tatarstan hopes to discuss communal and religious issues and select the mufti for the region. This gathering is expected to strengthen communal ties as well as promote charitable efforts within the community.
Fasting during this month serves as both physical and moral training. It is believed by many Muftis and scholars, including Hazrat Fatih Nuralin, who states, “Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink, it is about purifying the soul and cultivating virtues.” The impact of fasting should lead to personal growth, making adherents more patient and empathetic, learning to appreciate their blessings and the necessities of life.
The Quran outlines the significance of Ramadan, as it commemorates the month when it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims commonly seek out the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), which falls on one of the last ten odd-numbered nights of Ramadan, believing prayers made at this time carry immense weight.
All across the globe, Muslims engage with various charitable acts during this holy month. They prioritize helping those less fortunate, performing volunteer work, and contributing to food drives. Another aspect of Ramadan is the required fitra (charity), which must be paid before Id al-Fitr to secure the fasting for the individuals and families during the month.
Upon the conclusion of Ramadan, families and friends come together to celebrate Urazа-Bayram, rejoicing the completion of fasting and giving thanks. The festive atmosphere often includes wearing new clothes and sharing meals with loved ones. It is also characteristic of this holiday to gift money or food to the less privileged, highlighting the values of compassion and fraternity.
Ramadan 2025 encapsulates what it means to be part of the global Muslim community, fostering connections, reinforcing beliefs, and cultivating compassion—all the hallmarks of this sacred observance. The event unites people from different backgrounds and social standings under shared values and traditions, emphasizing peace, charity, and self-improvement.
With initiatives encouraging assistance for the needy and harmony within communities, Ramadan serves as both a personal and collective reminder of the responsibilities each individual carries, inspired by the example of the Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of the Quran. This year, as Muslims around the world enter this holy month, they carry with them hope and determination to embrace these values fully, seeking to strengthen their faith as they navigate life’s daily challenges.