Ramadan 2025: Everything You Need to Know About This Sacred Month

Why Does the Date of Ramadan Change Every Year?

Ramadan follows the Hijri calendar, based on lunar cycles. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar, the Islamic calendar is about 10 days shorter each year, explaining the annual shift of Ramadan. In 2025, it is expected to begin around February 28 and end around March 30, with Eid al-Fitr scheduled for March 31.

What Do Muslims Do During Ramadan?

Ramadan is primarily a period of fasting and spirituality. From dawn (Salat al-Fajr) until sunset (Salat al-Maghrib), Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical pleasures. However, this month extends far beyond just refraining from eating. It is also about drawing closer to Allah, improving one's character, and engaging in acts of piety.

Key Moments of Ramadan

• Suhur: The pre-dawn meal to start the day of fasting.

• Iftar: The breaking of the fast at sunset, often starting with dates and water.

• Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Destiny, considered the night when the Quran was revealed, holding immense spiritual value.

What Are the Origins of Ramadan?

The month of Ramadan is when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is a time of guidance and spiritual reflection, mentioned in verse 185 of Surah Al-Baqara:

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."

Recommended Actions During Ramadan

The sacred month is an opportunity to increase good deeds:

• Observe the five daily prayers diligently.

• Perform additional prayers such as Tarawih and Tahajjud.

• Read and reflect on the Quran daily.

• Practice charity by giving Zakat al-Fitr and other donations.

• Intensify supplications and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

• Cultivate patience, kindness, and gratitude.

Fasting Rules and Exemptions

Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims in good health. However, some are exempt:

• Chronically ill individuals and the elderly who cannot fast must feed a poor person as compensation.

• Pregnant, breastfeeding women, or those menstruating must make up their missed fasts later.

• Travelers can defer their fasts to a later date.

Breaking the Fast and Its Supplication

Once the sun sets, Muslims can recite this supplication after breaking their fast:

"Dhahaba zzama’u wa btalati l’urûq wa thabata l’ajru in shâ’ Allah" ("The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.")

The Importance of the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

The last ten nights of Ramadan are particularly blessed, as they include Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny. It is a time when prayers and acts of worship are intensified in hopes of receiving immense blessings.

Eid al-Fitr and Zakat al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It is a day of joy and sharing when every Muslim must pay Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory almsgiving to help the less fortunate celebrate the holiday.

A Rare Event: Two Ramadans in 2030!

An exceptional phenomenon will occur in 2030: there will be two months of Ramadan in the same calendar year, one in January and another in December, due to the lunar calendar's shift compared to the solar calendar.