The holy month of Ramadan, the most sacred period on the Islamic calendar, is all set to begin, marking a time of fasting, reflection, and rejuvenation for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan carries significant meaning as it involves abstaining from food and water during daylight hours, accompanied by increased prayer and charitable deeds. The Islamic lunar calendar relies on the sighting of the new moon, causing the start date of Ramadan to vary across different regions due to local declarations.
This year, the crescent moon heralding Ramadan is expected to be sighted on February 28, 2025. If the moon is visible, Ramadan will kick off on March 1, 2025; otherwise, some scholars believe it could extend the month of Shaban by one day, potentially shifting Ramadan's start to March 2, 2025. This uncertainty can lead to varying commencement dates for Muslim communities worldwide, as official announcements are awaited.
Despite the uncertainties, many countries have already released their Ramadan 2025 timetable, setting March 1 as the starting date based on Saudi Arabia's astronomical predictions. According to IslamicFinder’s detailed schedule, the following are the estimated sehri (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal after sunset) timings for New Delhi:
- March 1, 2025: Sehri: 05:28 AM, Iftar: 06:22 PM
- March 2, 2025: Sehri: 05:27 AM, Iftar: 06:22 PM
- March 3, 2025: Sehri: 05:26 AM, Iftar: 06:23 PM
- March 4, 2025: Sehri: 05:25 AM, Iftar: 06:24 PM
- March 5, 2025: Sehri: 05:24 AM, Iftar: 06:24 PM
- March 6, 2025: Sehri: 05:23 AM, Iftar: 06:25 PM
- March 7, 2025: Sehri: 05:21 AM, Iftar: 06:25 PM
- March 8, 2025: Sehri: 05:20 AM, Iftar: 06:26 PM
- March 9, 2025: Sehri: 05:19 AM, Iftar: 06:27 PM
- March 10, 2025: Sehri: 05:18 AM, Iftar: 06:27 PM
- March 11, 2025: Sehri: 05:17 AM, Iftar: 06:28 PM
- March 12, 2025: Sehri: 05:16 AM, Iftar: 06:28 PM
- March 13, 2025: Sehri: 05:15 AM, Iftar: 06:29 PM
- March 14, 2025: Sehri: 05:14 AM, Iftar: 06:30 PM
- March 15, 2025: Sehri: 05:12 AM, Iftar: 06:30 PM
- March 16, 2025: Sehri: 05:11 AM, Iftar: 06:31 PM
- March 17, 2025: Sehri: 05:10 AM, Iftar: 06:31 PM
- March 18, 2025: Sehri: 05:09 AM, Iftar: 06:32 PM
- March 19, 2025: Sehri: 05:08 AM, Iftar: 06:32 PM
- March 20, 2025: Sehri: 05:06 AM, Iftar: 06:33 PM
- March 21, 2025: Sehri: 05:05 AM, Iftar: 06:34 PM
- March 22, 2025: Sehri: 05:04 AM, Iftar: 06:34 PM
- March 23, 2025: Sehri: 05:03 AM, Iftar: 06:35 PM
- March 24, 2025: Sehri: 05:01 AM, Iftar: 06:35 PM
- March 25, 2025: Sehri: 05:00 AM, Iftar: 06:36 PM
- March 26, 2025: Sehri: 04:59 AM, Iftar: 06:36 PM
- March 27, 2025: Sehri: 04:58 AM, Iftar: 06:37 PM
- March 28, 2025: Sehri: 04:56 AM, Iftar: 06:37 PM
- March 29, 2025: Sehri: 04:55 AM, Iftar: 06:38 PM
To infuse your home with festive spirit, here are eight stunning decor ideas for Ramadan:
- Lantern Magic: Brighten your home with traditional Moroccan or Turkish lanterns.
- Crescent and Star Accents: Decorate with crescent moon and star motifs.
- Elegant Table Setting: Use deep jewel-toned tableware for your iftar setup.
- DIY Ramadan Countdown Calendar: Get creative with daily treats and inspirational quotes.
- Festive Wall Art: Hang calligraphy or framed Quran verses.
- Cozy Prayer Corner: Designate a quiet space for prayers.
- String Lights and Candles: Create a comforting atmosphere.
- Floral Touches: Use fresh or dried flowers for decoration.
Fitness during Ramadan can also be managed effectively. Mental and physical balance is key as individuals maintain activity levels without jeopardizing their health. Jasmine Modi, acupuncturist and founder of Acushashtra Pvt Ltd, emphasizes, "The key is to focus on low-impact, energy-sustaining exercises like yoga, Pilates, and bodyweight training during Suhoor or post-Iftar, when the body is fueled."
Dr. Dharti Brahmbhatt suggests workouts such as light exercises before Suhoor and low-impact activities post-Iftar to suit fasting conditions. Engaging with these principles and maintaining hydration can significantly contribute to one's wellness throughout the month.
With the dawn of Ramadan 2025, preparations are ramping up globally, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and community. Observers are urged to embrace the teachings of this holy month, cultivating compassion and generosity as they deepen their relationship with their faith.