RAMADAN 2025: DATES AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLY MONTH
The holy month of Ramadan is around the corner, and Muslims across the globe are gearing up for this period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the most spiritually significant times for millions of Muslims. This year, Ramadan is expected to commence on March 1, 2025, pending the sighting of the crescent moon on February 28, 2025.
Celebrated worldwide, Ramadan is marked by fasting from dawn till dusk, and Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours. It is not only about refraining from eating; it is also about prayer, community, and self-discipline. The fast is broken daily with the evening meal known as Iftar, which traditionally begins with dates and water, followed by larger meals shared with family and friends.
The beginning of the month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which plays a pivotal role in Ramadan’s timing. The crescent moon signals the end of Shaban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims to observe the sky for the crescent moon on February 28, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th day of Shaban.
According to reports, if the moon is sighted on the evening of February 28, Ramadan will begin on March 1, 2025. Otherwise, if the moon is not visible, Ramadan fasting will start on March 2, 2025. This year is particularly significant, as it is anticipated Muslims from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will witness the crescent moon on the same day as those living in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and several other Arab countries.
Individuals and local moon sighting committees across various nations place high importance on the accurate observation of the moon. Countries like Morocco will strictly adhere to visible sightings, requiring the moon to be sighted with the naked eye, potentially delaying Ramadan’s start compared to other regions where astronomical calculations may suffocate local observations.
While Saudi Arabia relies heavily on moon sighting committees, it also encourages citizens to participate in the process personally. The country has initiated efforts to allow residents to use telescopes or binoculars for moon sighting, and they are advised to report sightings to the nearest court. If the moon is seen, night Taraweeh prayers will begin immediately, leading to the community's enthusiastic observance of Ramadan.
The importance of Ramadan extends beyond fasting; it also encompasses prayer and charity. During this month, many Muslims engage more deeply with their faith, striving for personal growth and increased acts of kindness. Engaging more with community prayer, people are often seen attempting to read the Quran multiple times throughout the month, aiming to complete it by Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of fasting.
Aside from prayer and fasting, Ramadan encourages charity through Zakat and Sadaqah (voluntary giving), which emphasizes helping those who are less fortunate. Muslims believe these actions bring blessings and reinforce community bonds.
The significance of fasting during Ramadan lies not only within individual discipline but also within enhancing empathy for those who suffer or live with hunger and poverty. It is fundamental for community members to remain patient during this month, controlling their attitudes and actions as well as extending kindness and good manners toward others.
With Ramadan starting soon, Muslims around the world are sharing city-wise Sehri and Iftar timings for the significant month. Community heads and local councils will announce these timings, reflecting the local lunar observations to facilitate accurate schedules for the fasts.
Looking closely at major Indian cities, Sehri and Iftar timings will also significantly differ. For example, Muslims will begin their fast with Sehri at approximately 5:04 AM and break their fast at 6:03 PM on March 1. Similar timings are expected to be observed across neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, depending on lunar visibility.
This year’s remarkable celestial alignment suggests Muslims around the globe will share the experience of Ramadan on the same evening, strengthening the calls for unity and fellowship among the diverse Muslim community. The shared anticipation of Ramadan serves as both motivation and reminder of their collective faith, encouraging individuals to come together not just for meals but for shared prayers and acts of goodwill.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making Ramadan not just another month but a period deeply woven with worship and spirituality. The essence of Ramadan as it approaches is largely about maintaining sensitivity to the divine purpose behind it as individuals prepare to renew their relationships with Allah and reflect deeply on their life’s path.
Ramadan is anticipated not just as fasting from food but as fasting from negativity, lowering one’s anger, gossip, and any emotion contrary to peace and goodwill, which enhances the experience of compassion and generosity embraced globally throughout this blessed month.
With the official start of Ramadan 2025 not far away, Muslims worldwide prepare themselves spiritually, mentally, and socially as they set goals for improvement, worship, and communal prayer during the holy month.
The 2025 Ramadan promises to be one not only of fasting but of shared experiences and blessings for the Muslim community around the world, allowing for renewed relationships and collective growth.