With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, Muslims around the world are eagerly preparing for one of the most significant times of the year. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is expected to commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025, which has been confirmed by astronomical calculations and various national observances across several countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.
Ramadan is marked by fasting, introspection, prayer, and communal engagement. This year, the month is projected to last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. The end of Ramadan will culminate with Eid al-Fitr, which is anticipated to fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025, if the lunar sighting confirms it on the previous night.
To support the observance of Ramadan, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar has prepared detailed prayer and fasting schedules to assist the faithful with their religious duties. The Ramadan Timetable for 2025, which outlines the precise timings for daily prayers, including Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), and Maghrib (sunset), is now available to help Muslims organize their day-to-day religious activities.
The prayer timetable for the first few days of Ramadan includes the following:
Loading and distributing the Ramadan schedule helps locals adhere to the traditions of fasting from dawn until sunset, ensuring they have accurate data to maintain their timetable throughout the month. The significance of Ramadan is underscored by the rituals and traditions practiced daily during the month.
Traditionally, Ramadan is regarded as the month of mercy and spirituality, and it brings together families and communities in practices like breaking the fast at sunset, known as Iftar. Popular dishes include dates, water, and various traditional meals unique to each culture, symbolizing communal fidelity and hospitality.
Across the region, mosques and community centers will hold special prayers known as Tarawih during the nights, providing congregational worship opportunities. There will also be charitable activities, such as collective Iftar meals, which aim to promote unity and compassion among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Various countries have released official statements, confirming the start of Ramadan based on the sighting of the moon. The official announcement by the Saudi Arabian court verified the sighting, aligning with local traditions and practices. According to reports from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, the astronomical confirmations meet the requirements under Islamic law to declare the beginning of Ramadan.
On Thursday, officials from the Egyptian Fatwa House confirmed, "The official sighting of the Ramadan moon took place, marking Saturday as its first day." This announcement is consistent with previous declarations across the Arab world.
The interfaith dialogue about Ramadan’s significance continues to resonate, highlighting the month as one not only for fasting but for ethical reflection and community support. Important aspects of Ramadan such as supporting the needy through almsgiving (Zakat) serve to remind participants of the importance of charity.
Many individuals prepare months in advance for Ramadan, studying religious texts, and arranging family gatherings to share the blessings of the month. People also engage in greater acts of piety, including reciting the Quran and engaging more deeply with their faith.
To prepare for the month, several online resources, including downloadable Ramadan calendars and prayer times, are circulated to help Muslims manage their activities effectively. Communities anticipate vibrant social gatherings, and cultural events are set to take place, emphasizing the importance of companionship during the holy month.
Even with the pressures and challenges inherent during Ramadan, the observance aims to cultivate patience, thankfulness, and devotion. With optimism for renewed faith, Muslims look forward to embracing the holy month of fasting fully and welcoming its spirit as they gather with family and friends.
While the observance of Ramadan holds deep personal significance, it is also accompanied by larger communal and global dimensions. Communities engage with local and international charities, enhancing the month with acts of kindness on local, national, and global scales. This transformative month serves to reinforce the values of discipline and empathy, cultivating connections among people of various faiths across the world.
With these preparations underway, many hope this Ramadan will not only be spiritually rewarding but also serve to strengthen communal ties and promote interfaith harmony.