With Ramadan 2025 approaching, Muslims worldwide are preparing for the sacred month marked by fasting, reflection, and prayer. The start of Ramadan is expected to be Saturday, March 1, 2025, according to the French Muslim Council (CFCM) and the Theological Muslim Council of France (CTMF), who have confirmed the date based on lunar calculations. The official announcement will be made during the 'Nuit du doute' or Night of Doubt, organized at the Grande Mosquée de Paris. This important event typically occurs at the end of February and serves to verify the visibility of the new moon, which determines the start of the month of fasting.
According to Islamic tradition, the month of Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon. If the crescent moon is visible, Ramadan commences the following day. If not, it begins the day after. The Grande Mosquée de Paris stated, "We remain attached to this tradition of the Night of Doubt, which preserves the unity of Muslims at the threshold of the blessed month of Ramadan and allows them to prepare for it.” This year, the Night of Doubt is expected to take place on February 28, just before the anticipated start date.
Meanwhile, variations are observed regionally. Astronomer Ali Amraoui estimates the fasting month will start on Sunday, March 2, 2025, for Morocco, with Eid Al-Fitr falling on March 31, 2025. Due to local traditions, the official announcement will come from the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs upon lunar observation confirmation.
Returning to France, the CFCM has consistently suggested March 1 as the start date and added some communities might look at lunar visibility before making observations. The CFCM noted, "The visibility is forecasted to be apparent over Europe, sparking earlier confirmations of the month's start." Other organizations, including various Turkish federations and the Federation of Muslims of France, align with the CFCM’s calculations, adding weight to the assertion of March 1 as the launch of the fasting month.
Globally, the practice of fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn until sunset. This observance is not merely physical but extends to moral and ethical behavior, encouraging more exemplary conduct among adherents. The Quran outlines exemptions for individuals unable to fast, including the sick, pregnant, nursing women, and elderly persons who may find fasting particularly challenging. Those who miss days due to legitimate reasons must make up for the days lost when they are able.
For Muslims who may forget and inadvertently eat or drink during fasting, the Quran stipulates they should immediately continue their fast, and they also need to make up the day later. More infractions, such as intentionally breaking the fast, carry heavier penalties, requiring individuals to fast for two months consecutively or provide food for sixty people.
One significant cultural detail is the change to legal time during Ramadan, which has implications for the observation of prayer and fasting. For example, Morocco will shift to GMT on February 23, 2025, reverting to GMT+1 after Ramadan ends on April 6, 2025. This shift will impact the timings for predawn meals and fasting breaks.
Regional variations also extend to Senegal, where the National Association of Imams and Scholars have also defined the start of Ramadan as March 2. They have provided daily schedules for fasting times, which will shift throughout the month. The initial meal, referred to as Kheudeu, will end for the first day at 5:59 am, transitioning to finality for Iftar around 7:22 pm. The daily schedules will see adjustments as the month progresses, reflecting the nature of lunar phases and daylight changes.
Community engagement is another fundamental aspect of Ramadan. The month is revered for intensifying prayers, and Muslims gather for evening prayers (Taraweeh) after Iftar. This gathering serves as both supplication and community bonding during the sacred month.
Meanwhile, technology and astronomical predictions will play significant roles this year. The International Astronomical Center has predicted lunar visibility in many regions, facilitating more precise planning for local communities. This reliability allows many Muslims to synchronize their observances on March 1 without unnecessary discrepancies.
Lastly, the questions surrounding the beginning of Ramadan often prompt scholarly debates. Various groups may rely on differing criteria for lunar visibility, leading to occasional divergence in observance dates not just regionally but even between communities. This dynamic situation underlines how faith interacts with tradition and modern scientific observation.
Overall, as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, discussions about its start timing, associated observances, and preparations intensify among international communities, shedding light on the diverse practices and shared reverence for this sacred period.