When is Ramadan 2025? Start, Significance & Fasting Tips

Ramadan is one of the most spiritually significant months for Muslims worldwide. It’s a time for self-reflection, worship, charity, and devotion. But the question remains, when is Ramadan 2025? Let’s explore not only when this blessed month is expected to begin, but also how to make the most of it, the Sunnah practices to follow, and the deep-rooted significance behind fasting.

When is Ramadan 2025?

Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 1, 2025. However, since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the start date of Ramadan can vary depending on the sighting of the moon. This means it may slightly differ by one or two days in various parts of the world.

Muslims across the globe prepare for this blessed month as it is a time for spiritual renewal, discipline, and charity. Knowing when Ramadan will begin allows believers to plan their fasts, prayers, and charity work in advance, ensuring they maximize the benefits of this holy month.

How to Spend Ramadan

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also a time for deep spiritual growth. To make the most of this month, one should focus on several key aspects:

Increased Worship

Ramadan is the best time to engage in additional worship. Muslims should aim to increase their prayers (Salah), recite the Quran, and make dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The Taraweeh prayers, offered after Isha prayer, are a special nightly tradition during Ramadan and provide an opportunity to pray in congregation and seek Allah’s mercy.

Charity and Acts of Kindness

Fasting teaches empathy, and Ramadan is the perfect time to show kindness through charity.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of giving, saying, “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.....”

Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2626

Giving Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in Ramadan can bring immense rewards.

Reflection and Gratitude

Ramadan is a time for personal reflection. It’s a month to purify the soul, seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings, and develop a closer relationship with Allah. Engaging in self-reflection helps to strengthen one’s faith and appreciate the blessings of life.

Sunnah and Hadith-Proven Practices for Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to follow the Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Here are some key practices to observe:

Breaking the Fast with Dates

One of the beloved Sunnah practices is to break the fast with dates,

As narrated by Anas ibn Malik (RA): “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to break his fast with fresh dates, but if there were no (fresh dates), then with dry dates, and if there were no (dried dates), he would take a few sips of water. (Sunan Abu Dawood)

This is a simple yet profound practice that aligns with the tradition of the Prophet.

Making Du’a Before Iftar

The time of iftar (breaking the fast) is a moment when Allah is particularly receptive to the prayers of the fasting person.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There are three whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast…” (Tirmidhi).

Use this time to make personal supplications (du’a) for yourself, your family, and the world.

I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

I’tikaf is a practice in which a Muslim dedicates time in the mosque for worship and reflection, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would spend the last ten days of Ramadan in I’tikaf, focusing on prayer and seeking the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr).

What Happened in Ramadan?

Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims because of several significant events that occurred during this month:

The Revelation of the Quran

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Allah says in the Quran: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Quran 2:185).

This highlights the significance of Ramadan in the Islamic faith, making it a time for Muslims to reflect on the Quran and its teachings.

The Battle of Badr

One of the most pivotal battles in Islamic history, the Battle of Badr, took place in Ramadan, in the second year of Hijrah. It was a victory for the Muslims against a much larger army of the Quraysh. This event is remembered for its bravery, sacrifice, and faith in Allah.

Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, is believed to occur on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly the 27th night.

The Quran describes it as “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3).

Muslims strive to increase their worship during this night, as it is a time when Allah’s mercy and blessings are abundant.

Why Do We Fast?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all adult Muslims. The act of fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. But why do Muslims fast?

Obedience to Allah

The primary reason for fasting is to follow the command of Allah.

As Allah says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (Quran 2:183).

Fasting is a way of showing devotion and obedience to Allah.

Spiritual Benefits

Fasting helps purify the soul by instilling self-control and empathy. It teaches Muslims to control their desires and to focus on spiritual growth. The physical deprivation during fasting serves as a reminder of the suffering of the poor, fostering a deeper sense of compassion.

Seeking Closer Proximity to Allah

Fasting provides an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith and draw closer to Allah. By turning away from worldly distractions, one can focus solely on worship and reflection. Fasting is a means of purification that strengthens one’s relationship with the Creator.

Conclusion

Ramadan promises to be a time of spiritual reflection, personal growth, and devotion. Knowing when Ramadan begins helps in preparing for this sacred time, ensuring that Muslims across the world can make the most of this blessed month.

By observing the Sunnah practices, reflecting on the significance of fasting, and remembering the historical events that took place in Ramadan, one can experience the true essence of this holy month. May Allah accept our fasts, prayers, and acts of charity, and grant us the strength to make this Ramadan our best one yet.