Ramadan, the holy month observed by Muslims worldwide, is set to commence at sunset on February 28, 2025, with the first full day of fasting beginning on March 1. Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, which includes abstaining from food, drink, and intimate relations during daylight hours. The month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, observed on March 30 this year.
During Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to perform additional prayers and engage more deeply with their faith through devotional activities. The night prayers, known as Tarawih, will start from February 28, immediately following the Isha prayer. Various regions have been provided with specific prayer times and the traditional iftar schedule, outlining the breaking of the fast after sunset.
For example, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Uzbekistan has announced the Tarawih prayer schedule. On February 28, the Tarawih prayer timings are as follows: Fergana, Namangan, and Andijan regions will all observe it at 20:20. Tashkent will have Tarawih at 20:30, as will several other regions including Samarkand and Jizak. Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Navoi, and Bukhara have slightly later times set at 20:40, and regions such as Khorezm and Karakalpakstan will see prayers starting at 21:00 and 21:10 respectively.
Regarding the fasting schedule, various locations, including Almaty region, Tashkent, and Stavropol, are publishing their prayer and fasting times, catering to the local Muslim populations. For example, the Islamic center of Stavropol has provided specific prayer times for its community, detailing when to break the fast (iftar), have the predawn meal (suhur), and perform the five daily prayers.
Many communities actively encourage charitable acts during Ramadan, highlighting the importance of giving to others. Charity is seen as particularly virtuous at this time; mosques organize meal distributions each evening to feed those breaking their fast.
Additional community efforts include coordinating volunteers who help prepare and distribute meals before iftar. For the community of Stavropol, volunteers are needed to assist kitchen staff with food preparations, table settings, and cleaning up after meals. This not only strengthens community bonds but also embodies the spirit of charity encouraged during the holy month.
Muslims believe the Ramadan fast acts to develop self-discipline and empathy for those less fortunate — aligning with the broader teachings of Islam. Each evening, as the sun sets, families gather to partake of iftar meals together, typically starting with dates and water, followed by more extensive meals featuring soups, proteins, vegetables, and sweets.
Warnings against breaking the fast are prevalent. Those able to fast but intentionally break it are seen as committing sin. The guidelines also provide allowances for those who cannot endure fasting due to health reasons or life circumstances, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant or nursing women.
Preparations for Eid al-Fitr begin during Ramadan’s last week, with households cleaning, cooking festive meals, and shopping for new clothes. On the eve of Eid, known as Laylat al-Fitr, Muslims engage in prayers and reflections on the experiences of Ramadan.
Many Muslims will also take part in special charitable giving, known as Fitri Zakat, before the Eid prayer, symbolically acting to cleanse their fast and provide assistance to those who may not be able to afford traditional Eid celebrations.
Notably, the Ramadan month is central to the Islamic faith and considered one of its five pillars, alongside daily prayers, declaration of faith, pilgrimage to Mecca, and charity. The communal and individual practices during this month, marked by heightened spirituality and discipline, remain foundational to the identity of Muslim communities.
On the public health front, authorities are taking measures to accommodate increased congregation at mosques and communal events. For example, city authorities across various regions have announced traffic regulations to facilitate access to mosques during peak prayer times, as seen in Tashkent where street closures will occur near key mosques during Tarawih prayers, ensuring safe and manageable access for worshippers.
Communities are urged to remain vigilant about health protocols to protect public safety as the fasting month commences and religious practices intensify, especially considering congregational prayers can result in large gatherings. Local leaders encourage worshippers to be mindful of public health norms as they participate fully in Ramadan.
Overall, Ramadan 2025 promises to be rich with worship, community connection, and reflection, as Muslims embrace the teachings of their faith with these time-honored practices and observances during this holy month.