The Islamic holy month of Ramadan commenced on March 1, 2025, marking the beginning of fasting for Muslims across the globe, including those residing in Germany. This period is significant as it entails abstaining from food, drink, and certain other activities from dawn until sunset, emphasizing inner reflection, prayer, and community engagement.
According to local reports, around 60,000 Muslims live in Bremen, actively participating in this month-long observance. The focus is on enhancing one’s spirituality as families and friends gather for Iftar, the evening meal breaking the fast, which often includes traditional dishes such as lentil soup known as Ramadansuppe, desserts, Börek, and dates.
Muslims engage not only with their faith but also with the community during this time. Bilal Y. Güney, from the Muslim Religious Community Bremen, highlighted how the three blessed months of Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan are integral to the Islamic faith, with each month providing unique opportunities for growth and community connection. Güney elaborated, "During these sacred times, values such as love, compassion, reconciliation, and social responsibility are nurtured. Families and friends often visit one another and share gifts to strengthen their bonds."
For Ramadan, Muslims often prepare both spiritually and physically for the month. This involves cleaning their homes, buying food, and decorating their spaces. Iftar is less about extravagance and more about sharing gratitude for daily sustenance. The first Iftar for 2025 was scheduled for March 1 at sunset, with times varying across the country. While the exact time of sunset can change daily, in major cities like Berlin, the sunset was at approximately 17:52 on the first day of fasting.
Every day during Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset, fasting holds fundamental importance as it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims are encouraged to spend this month deepening their faith through prayer, reading the Quran, and performing charitable acts. The act of fasting instills discipline and encourages empathy for those less fortunate, allowing believers to experience hunger and thirst for simply greater appreciation of the basic necessities of life.
Those who cannot fast, including people who are ill, traveling, or pregnant, are exempted under certain conditions, reflecting Islam's compassionate nature. The month also presents opportunities for Iftar gatherings, where Muslims come together to break their fasts, often organized through mosques or community centers.
For non-Muslims, Ramadan offers chances to learn more about the culture and practices of their Muslim neighbors. Many mosques open their doors for interfaith Iftar events, fostering dialogue and mutual respect among diverse communities. Such outreach aims to bridge gaps of misunderstanding and showcase the communal spirit and traditions during this holy month.
Ramadan ends with the festivity of Eid al-Fitr, which this year falls on March 30. This celebration not only marks the end of fasting but also emphasizes the importance of joy, gratitude, and unity among family and friends. It is characterized by communal prayers, feasting, and the tradition of giving Zakat, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and compassion embedded within the Islamic faith.
With the Islamic calendar being lunar, Ramadan shifts by about 10 or 11 days each year, moving through different seasons. This year, with fasting periods occurring during relatively cooler days brings blessings to those observing it. Different cities across Germany have published specific time tables for prayer and Iftar, allowing the community to synchronize their practices effectively.
Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food. It’s also about nurturing the spirit, improving relationships with others, and enhancing one's connection to God. Communities thrive during this month as the collective prayers, shared meals, and charitable acts bring people together, reinforcing the bonds of kinship and faith.
Overall, the initiation of Ramadan is not merely the beginning of fasting; it is the commencement of the collective experiences of millions, showcasing faith through tradition, reflection, and community involvement.