South Africa is gearing up for the much-anticipated arrival of Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. With the Islamic month of Sha’ban drawing to a close, many are awaiting the sighting of the crescent moon, which will signal the commencement of the fasting month on Friday, February 28, 2025. This sacred time offers millions of Muslims the opportunity to engage deeply with their faith through fasting, prayer, and introspection.
Muslims will refrain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, fostering both self-discipline and community spirit. President of the Crescent Observers Society of South Africa, Imam Yusuf Pandy, stated, “Tonight, insha Allah (if God wills), we will be present at Three Anchor Bay, Signal Hill, Bakoven, Gordon’s Bay, Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. After Maghrib (sunset), we will announce whether the moon has been sighted or not.” This collective effort by local observers known as maankykers, or crescent observers, plays a key role as teams gather at designated observation points across the country to catch the first glimpse of the new moon.
Imam Pandy explained the challenges faced by observatory teams: “At the moment, the moon is about 16 hours old, and we only have 24 minutes to sight it. The last time we saw a moon around this young age was 50 years ago.” Nonetheless, the determination remains high as the community prepares for this period of fasting and devotion.
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, starting on the evening the crescent moon is sighted. The lunar calendar, which has either 354 or 355 days, causes Ramadan to fluctuate each year by about ten to twelve days earlier according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Ramadan is expected to conclude with Eid al-Fitr, celebrated on either March 31 or April 1, 2025.
Throughout this holy month, Muslims abstain not just from food and drink, but also from immoral behavior and sexual activity. The fasting day begins with pre-dawn meals, termed suhoor (or souwe), and ends with iftar, where families break their fast, typically with dates and water before enjoying delicious meals, especially traditional Cape Malay dishes. Ramadan is not only about fasting; it is about creating bonds within families and communities, and particularly developing one’s relationship with Allah.
Many South Africans celebrate the halfway point of Ramadan with boeberaand, which marks the 15th night of the fast. This celebration showcases traditional beverages, such as boeber, and brings the community together. After the last of the five daily prayers, Taraweeh prayers are held every night, where portions of the Qur'an are recited throughout the month by memorizers of the holy text, known as hafiz.
The last ten days of Ramadan hold exceptional significance, especially Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power. Many believe this night, thought to occur on the 27th day of Ramadan, is when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). It is said the blessings associated with good deeds performed during this night can equate to those gained over a thousand months.
Fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims post-puberty, reinforcing it as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Exceptions are made for those who are elderly, ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruation. Such individuals must make up the missed days once Ramadan concludes.
This year, as Ramadan approaches, the sense of community heightens. Across Cape Town, the atmosphere transforms as Muslims come together to break fast and pray. Strengthening bonds through shared meals and acts of charity become focal points, as generosity pours from each household. “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened; the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained,” articulates one hadith, summarizing the transformative essence of Ramadan for Muslims.
Ramadan transcends mere abstention from food and drink. It is considered a time for reflection, healing, and closeness to Allah. Muslims observe this month with the intent to become their best selves, engaging more deeply with the teachings of Islam by minimizing distractions such as music and television, and instead promoting positive actions and thoughtfulness. Anyone encountering colleagues or friends who may appear more reserved or modest can understand this change is part of their Ramadan commitment.
The completion of Ramadan is marked with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, where Muslims gather for special prayers and communal celebrations. Gifts, family visits, and shared meals dominate the day as communities come together to reflect on their month of fasting and devotion.
The educational aspect of Ramadan also invites curiosity from non-Muslims. Discussions surrounding fasting and its observance, its values, and community solidarity make for great learning opportunities, fostering greater cultural awareness and respect. With Ramadan upon us, those unfamiliar with its significance are encouraged to learn from their Muslim friends and neighbors, greeting them with phrases like “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak.”
Indeed, Ramadan is not merely about emptying the stomach but filling the soul.