Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and charity that marks an essential phase in the lives of millions of Muslims worldwide. The holy month typically begins after sundown on Friday, February 28, 2025, and ends on Saturday, March 29 or Sunday, March 30, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
For believers, Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, worship, and compassion, as they seek forgiveness from Allah through acts of charity and prayer. Fasting, which involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn till sundown, is an integral aspect of Ramadan, with many observing additional prayers, including the Tarawih, to enhance their spiritual connection.
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to engage in various charitable activities, such as Zakat, a percentage of their wealth given to those in need. Non-financial forms of charity, like volunteering and kindness, also play significant roles. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a celebration that marks the end of fasting, typically observed on Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31.
Key aspects of Ramadan include:
* Fasting from dawn till sundown
* Increased prayer, including Tarawih
* Charity and acts of kindness
* No food or drink consumption during daylight hours
Ramadan’s duration varies each year due to the lunar calendar’s shorter cycle compared to the solar year. While 2025 marks a typical Ramadan period, upcoming years will witness the holy month occurring in January (2030) for the first time.
Overall, understanding Ramadan is essential for grasping the core practices and values of Islam during this significant spiritual period.
Source: https://eu.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/02/28/ramadan-what-to-know-about-this-religious-holiday-for-muslims/80763920007