Muslims across France are preparing to observe Ramadan, with the Conseil Français du Culte Musulman (CFCM) officially announcing the commencement of the holy month on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This announcement, delivered on February 28, marked the culmination of anticipation for the five to six million Muslims living in the country.
The declaration was made during a gathering at the Grande Mosquée de Paris, where representatives from various Muslim federations united to confirm the start date. Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the rector of the mosque, stated, "Les fédérations musulmanes de France […] réunies ce jour à la Grande Mosquée de Paris sont heureuses de confirmer que le mois béni de Ramadan 1446-2025 débutera en France le samedi 1ᵉʳ mars 2025." This sentiment captured the excitement and significance of the occasion for the community.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by practicing Muslims through fasting from dawn until dusk. The CFCM based the start date on astronomical calculations and the visibility of the new moon, aligning with criteria established back in 2013. It is anticipated the new moon will be observable on February 28, leading to the official start of the fast the following day.
The procedure begins with what is known as the "Nuit du Doute" or the Night of Doubt, where the moon's visibility is confirmed. Failure to see the crescent moon would necessitate postponing the start of Ramadan to the following day. Muslima communities rely on this celestial event to dictate the fasting calendar.
Muslims also observe various customs throughout Ramadan. Daily fasting entails abstaining from all food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. The fast is broken with the Iftar meal at sunset, fostering family unity and community spirit. After Iftar, it is customary to gather over traditional dishes, often prepared with care and love. The month is precious not just for its rituals, but for the greater sense of togetherness it brings.
Hafiz emphasized this sentiment, saying, “Nous espérons aussi que ce mois sacré soit l’occasion d’intensifier la solidarité et d’offrir l’apaisement et l’unité entre les différentes composantes de la communauté nationale.” This highlights not only the religious significance of Ramadan but its potential for fostering social harmony and solidarity among all citizens.
During the month of Ramadan, there are heightened efforts for charitable giving. Mosques and places of worship throughout France typically see increased donations, with zakat el-Fitr being one of the recommended almsgiving practices. This charity is meant to support the less fortunate, reflecting the core values of generosity and support central to Islamic belief.
The anticipation of Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, adds to the community's excitement. This year, Eid is expected to fall around March 31, 2025. The announcement of the exact date will be made later following the second Night of Doubt, reinforcing the link between lunar observation and the Islamic calendar.
With the onset of Ramadan, the CFCM has made calls for ensuring the safety of mosques and prayer spaces during this significant time, urging the authorities to take necessary measures. Such concerns are particularly poignant, considering the sometimes tense atmosphere surrounding religious practices across different faiths.
This holy month serves as much more than just individual fasting. It is about building community, sharing meals, and encouraging spirituality. The observance of Ramadan plays a pivotal role not only for individual Muslims but for their families and communities, ushering in moments of reflection, prayer, and altruism.
Muslims around the world flow together during this sacred month, sharing the unique bonds forged by shared experiences, prayers, and traditions. For those observing Ramadan 2025, it presents the dual opportunity for personal growth alongside community cohesion, promising to strengthen the virtues embedded deep within the hearts of believers.
Overall, the announcement of Ramadan's beginning brings light and community warmth as Muslims await this cherished time with joy and anticipation, confirmed by both tradition and celestial observation.