The first day of the 2025 Ramadan Bayram will begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025. In Istanbul, the 2025 Ramadan Bayram prayer time has been set for 07:22 AM on this day. Bayram prayer is performed approximately 45 minutes after sunrise, allowing thousands of worshippers to gather in mosques to celebrate the occasion.
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, the excitement for Bayram is palpable across Turkey. The Presidency of Religious Affairs has announced the Bayram prayer times for all 81 provinces, including major cities like Istanbul and Samsun. In Samsun, residents in districts such as Atakaum, Ayvacık, Bafra, and Terme will adjust their schedules to participate in the communal prayers.
Bayram prayer, which occurs twice a year during Ramadan and Kurban Bayram, holds significant spiritual importance for Muslims. The prayer is a communal act, emphasizing unity and togetherness among the community. To ensure that worshippers are prepared, mosques will provide guidance on how to perform the Bayram prayer, which may be forgotten due to its unique structure.
So, how is the Bayram prayer performed? The prayer consists of two rak'ahs and involves several key steps that are distinct from regular prayers. Before beginning, worshippers must make an intention, or niyyah, for the prayer. For the Ramadan Bayram prayer, the intention is articulated as: "I intend to perform the Ramadan Bayram prayer, following the imam." This sets the spiritual tone for the prayer.
Once the intention is made, the first rak'ah begins with the Iftitah Takbir, where hands are raised to the ears and the phrase "Allah-u Ekber" (God is the Greatest) is recited. Following this, worshippers will recite the "Sübhaneke" prayer quietly, which is a form of glorification of God.
Next, the Iftitah Takbir is followed by three additional Takbirs, each time raising the hands to the ears and then letting them fall to the sides. After the third Takbir, the hands are bound at the waist, and the imam recites the Fatiha Surah aloud, followed by another surah or several verses from the Quran.
After completing the first rak'ah, worshippers will bow (ruku) and prostrate (sujud) as they would in regular prayers before standing up for the second rak'ah. The second rak'ah follows a similar pattern, beginning with the recitation of the Fatiha and another surah. After the third Takbir in this rak'ah, worshippers will again bow and prostrate, concluding with the sitting position where the "Tahiyyat" and "Salli-Barik" prayers are recited.
Finally, the prayer is completed with the salutation, where worshippers turn to their right and left, saying "Esselamü Aleyküm ve Rahmetullah" (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). After the prayer, the imam will deliver a sermon (hutbe), which is an integral part of the Bayram prayer, providing spiritual guidance and reinforcing the sense of community.
In Istanbul, as well as in other cities across Turkey, the Bayram prayer is expected to bring together thousands of worshippers, reinforcing the bonds of community and faith. The anticipation of this day is not just about the prayer itself, but also about the joy of coming together with family and friends to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
The significance of the Bayram prayer extends beyond the act of worship; it symbolizes the unity and shared values of the Muslim community. As people gather in mosques, they express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan and look forward to the joyous celebrations that follow.
For many, this day marks a time for forgiveness, reflection, and renewal. The spirit of Bayram encourages individuals to reach out to those in need, fostering a sense of charity and compassion. As families come together to share meals and exchange greetings, the essence of community is felt strongly.
As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the skies on March 30, 2025, the faithful will rise early, donning their best attire, ready to partake in this cherished tradition. The sound of the adhan (call to prayer) will resonate through the streets, drawing people towards their local mosques, where the joy of Bayram will be palpable.
In summary, the 2025 Ramadan Bayram is a significant occasion for Muslims around the world, particularly in Turkey, where the communal aspect of the Bayram prayer highlights the importance of unity and togetherness. As worshippers gather in mosques, they not only perform their religious duties but also celebrate the spirit of community that defines this special day.
