The holy month of Ramadan begins this year on March 2, 2025, as Muslims around the world prepare to engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection.
With the sighting of the crescent moon on March 1, 2025, the Muslim community enters this sacred time, observed by nearly 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa extended his warmest wishes to Muslims, characterizing Ramadan as a time of reflection, prayer, and charity.
“For our Muslim brethren here at home and around the world, this is a sacred time of reflection, prayer and performing acts of charity – values unite us all,” Ramaphosa stated, emphasizing how Ramadan exemplifies the spirit of compassion and community.
The significance of Ramadan lies not just in the fasting from dawn until sunset but also through engaging actively with the needy and sharing blessings. "During this month, the Muslim community commemorates the reveal of the Qur’an by fasting, seeking to draw closer to God and expressing gratitude for their blessings, and showing compassion for those less fortunate," said the Parliament officials.
Worshipers break their fast with Iftar meals, commonly shared among families and friends, reinforcing the bonds of community. Special nightly prayers, Taraweeh, become more frequent, enhancing the communal atmosphere. With increased gatherings at mosques, Ramadan serves as more than just fasting; it casts light on the virtues of kindness and care.
One notable South African initiative, the Prince of Saudi Arabia's 'Eta’am Basket Project,' aims to support the vulnerable. The project distributes food hampers to needy families across the nation, reinforcing the call for generosity and empathy during this holy month. Speaking on this, Hamdi Ahmed Al Sahli, the deputy ambassador of Saudi Arabia, stated, "This is a gift from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to express our solidarity, brotherhood, and empathy during the Blessed of Ramadan."
Many leaders, including Ramaphosa, stress the importance of lightening burdens faced by those struggling with poverty. Ramaphosa affirmed, "We laud these acts of compassion, empathy, and generosity by the Muslim community, which are even more sorely needed in today's troubled world.”
Ramadan invites individuals to reflect on their actions throughout the year, ensuring those who fast not only abstain from food and drink but also practice patience, discipline, and gratitude. It offers a unique opportunity for self-awareness and purification of the spirit.
Sending Ramadan Mubarak wishes has become customary during this time. Such greetings—expressed through personal messages, phone calls, or social media—help to connect communities and deliver blessings. People share heartfelt messages and encouragement, underscoring the month’s spirit.
Examples of beautiful Ramadan messages as shared by community members include well-wishes for peace, happiness, and acceptance for all. “May your fasts be accepted, prayers answered, and faith strengthened,” is one sentiment many are sharing with loved ones, reminding everyone of the unifying values during this important period.
Articulated through digital platforms and social media, these warm messages and greetings echo the essence of Ramadan—a time for forgiveness, compassion, and unity. They prompt reflections on one’s duty toward others, encouraging kindness and community support.
Even as South Africa embraces the diversity of beliefs during Ramadan, Ramaphosa called for citizens to appreciate the beautiful fabric of their nation, uniting across faiths to spread goodwill. “We are grateful to be a nation where many cultures and faiths co-exist in harmony – may this also be a time for outreach and building bridges of tolerance and understandings between our different communities,” he urged.
This Ramadan, just as leaders highlight the spirit of charity and reflection, it bears reminding all Christians and Muslims to empathize with those suffering from conflicts, like the people of Gaza, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the troubled Sahel region. President Ramaphosa stated, "Even as this is a time of fraternity and growth for Muslims, we are aware of those suffering during this Ramadan."
The culmination of these observances during Ramadan inspires hope for peace and goodwill, reminding all adherents of the strong need for community and charity across the globe as they engage deeply not only with their faith but with the world around them.