Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims and is celebrated worldwide. With all its significance and importance come many good deeds and festivities that follow. Understand when Ramadan is for 2025 and how to prepare for this blessed month below.
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Ramadan is determined according to the Islamic calendar, which follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the Holy Month of Ramadan shifts in timing every year, moving approximately 10-11 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 28, following the sighting of the moon. Ramadan lasts for around 29-30 days and will end according to the sighting of the moon. After the Holy Month, Muslims will celebrate the long-awaited Eid al-Fitr.
While moon sighting is the most common, credible, and traditionally used method to determine the start and end of Ramadan, there are alternative ways that scholars and communities use to calculate the month. One method is pre-calculating the dates through the Hijri method, which involves predicting the month in advance. Another approach is utilizing modern technology to aid in moon sighting.
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During Ramadan, Muslims are prohibited from consuming food and drinks at certain hours and are expected to fast from pre-dawn (Fajr) to sunset, which is marked by the Maghrib prayers. The length of the fast varies depending on the time of the year and geographical location, ranging between 11-16 hours.
Though fasting seems like the main aspect of Ramadan, the ultimate goal of the month is to gain greater God-consciousness (taqwa). Ramadan is a time for Muslims to improve themselves, become better human beings, and seek Allah’s mercy and rewards for the Hereafter.
This constant awareness of God fosters discipline, self-restraint, and a commitment to doing good while avoiding harmful actions. It is a commendable time to pause worldly pursuits, engage in prayer, recite the Quran, and give back to the community—bringing Muslims closer to Allah.
In addition to spiritual benefits, fasting also has physical and health advantages. Studies suggest that fasting can help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and may even prevent certain diseases like cancer.
May these good and honorable practices extend beyond Ramadan and become a benchmark for living a righteous life.
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Muslims who have reached puberty are required to observe fasting. However, exceptions are made for individuals who may experience hardship if they were to fast. These include:
Those who miss obligatory fasts during Ramadan are expected to make up the fast later once the month is over. However, individuals who cannot fast due to chronic illness or old age are required to feed a poor person for each missed day of fasting.
Besides refraining from food and drink, Muslims are also expected to avoid negative physical and spiritual acts such as gossiping, lying, and arguing. Married couples are also forbidden from engaging in intimate acts during fasting hours.
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Several notable acts and observances take place during Ramadan, including:
As Ramadan approaches, we should prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally by reducing distractions, setting spiritual goals, and embracing the essence of the Holy Month. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our faith, seek forgiveness, and immerse ourselves in acts of worship.
May we all be granted the ability to welcome and experience Ramadan in the best possible way. Amin.