What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is considered the holiest month in Islam, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
How to determine when Ramadan starts?
The beginning of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the new moon. The process generally involves the following steps:
- Moon Sighting
- Use of Astronomical Calculations
- Community Consensus
When is Ramadan in 2025?
In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday 28th February. The exact dates may vary by one or two days depending on the sighting of the moon in different regions.
How long is Ramadan?
Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. The month begins with the sighting of the new moon and ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The importance of fasting
Fasting in Islam, known as sawm, is a fundamental act of worship and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. The importance of fasting in Islam can be summarised as follows:
- Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting is seen as a way to purify the soul, strengthen one's faith, and develop a closer relationship with Allah. It is a time for reflection, increased prayer, and self-discipline, helping Muslims to detach from worldly desires and focus on their spiritual growth.
- Obedience to Allah: Fasting is an act of obedience and submission to Allah's command. It is a means of demonstrating devotion and fulfilling one of the core duties of a Muslim.
- Empathy and Compassion: Fasting helps cultivate empathy for the poor and less fortunate, as Muslims experience hunger and thirst. This heightened sense of compassion often leads to greater acts of charity and kindness during Ramadan.
- Self-Discipline: Fasting is a way to develop self-control over one's desires and habits. It teaches patience, resilience, and mindfulness, as Muslims must resist temptations and focus on maintaining a good character during the fast.
- Community and Solidarity: Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together as a community, share meals (like iftar), and support one another. It reinforces a sense of unity, brotherhood, and social responsibility.
- Physical and Psychological Benefits: While primarily a spiritual practice, fasting also has potential health benefits, such as promoting physical detoxification and mental clarity.
Daily rituals: Suhoor and Iftar
Suhoor:
This is the pre-dawn meal, consumed before the fast begins at sunrise (Fajr).
It is important to eat a nourishing and filling meal to sustain individuals through the long hours of fasting. Suhoor typically includes foods rich in complex carbohydrates (like whole grains), protein (such as eggs or yogurt), and hydration to help maintain energy and hydration throughout the day.
Many people also drink water or include fruits and vegetables to help with hydration.
Iftar:
This is the meal to break the fast at sunset (Maghrib).
Traditionally, Iftar begins with the eating of dates and drinking water, following the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad. Afterward, a larger meal is served, often consisting of soup, salads, bread, meat dishes, and sweets.
The meal is usually enjoyed with family and friends, and it is a time of celebration, reflection, and community.
The role of prayer and Taraweeh
Salah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and a fundamental practice for Muslims. It involves performing specific acts of worship five times a day: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.
During Ramadan, in addition to the obligatory prayers, the special night prayer called Taraweeh is performed after the Isha prayer.
Taraweeh is a prayer performed during Ramadan nights, which can be prayed alone or in congregation. The prayer is a way to increase devotion during the blessed month, with the goal of seeking closeness to Allah.
Charity and giving back: Zakat and Sadaqah
Zakat and Sadaqah are both important concepts in Islam related to charity and helping those in need, but they differ in their nature, requirements, and purposes.
Zakat:
Zakat is an obligatory form of charity that every eligible Muslim must give. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a fixed percentage (2.5%) of a Muslim's savings and wealth that must be given annually to those in need.
Zakat is meant to purify wealth and reduce inequality by redistributing resources to those who are less fortunate.
It is typically given to specific categories of people, such as the poor, the needy, those in debt, or those working for social causes.
Sadaqah:
Sadaqah refers to voluntary charity and can be given at any time and in any amount.
Unlike Zakat, it is not obligatory but is highly encouraged and considered a way to earn reward from Allah.
Sadaqah can take many forms, not just monetary donations. It can also include acts of kindness, such as helping others, providing advice, or even a smile.
Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need, and there is no fixed percentage.
Cultural traditions and global observances
Ramadan is a deeply spiritual month but also a time of vibrant cultural expressions that vary across the globe while maintaining common religious themes of devotion, sacrifice, and community.
Below is a list of global observances associated with Ramadan:
- Fasting (Sawm)
- Prayers (Salat) and Reading Quran
- Eid al-Fitr (celebrated at the end of Ramadan)
Cultural tradition during Ramadan may include:
Family and Community Focus: Ramadan is a time for Muslims to strengthen bonds with family and community. Shared meals, communal prayers, and acts of service are common.
Decorations and Lights: In many Muslim-majority countries, cities and homes are adorned with lights, lanterns (fanoos), and other decorations to mark the festive atmosphere.
Special Foods: Each culture has its own traditional dishes for iftar.
Cultural Variations: While fasting is universally practised, cultural traditions vary by region. For example, the cultural practice of attending nightly community gatherings or feasts can differ, with some regions having street celebrations or performances.
Reflections and self-discipline during Ramadan
During Ramadan, reflections and self-discipline are central to the spiritual journey. The month is an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their faith, engage in self-purification, and develop a closer relationship with God. The practice of fasting from dawn until sunset serves as a form of self-discipline, not only by abstaining from food and drink, but also from negative behaviours like gossiping, anger, or laziness.
What is the last 10 days of ramadan called?
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered the most sacred and spiritually significant period of the month. These days are marked by increased devotion, prayer, and reflection. The final ten days are especially important because among them is the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), which is believed to occur during one of the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). It is said that prayers made on Laylat al-Qadr are more valuable than those made during a thousand months.
Many Muslims engage in Itikaf during these last ten days, which involves secluding themselves in the mosque to devote time entirely to worship and spiritual reflection.
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr: The end of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The celebration begins with a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid, typically performed in congregation at mosques or open fields.
Families come together for large feasts, share gifts, and often wear new or special clothes for the occasion. The holiday also emphasises community, with many people visiting relatives, friends, and neighbours to exchange greetings of "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid).
Eid al-Fitr is a time of reflection, renewal of faith, and celebration of the end of a month-long spiritual journey. It varies by region, but the core themes of gratitude, charity, and unity are central to the celebration worldwide.