As we approach the end of 2024, many are looking ahead to the new year and the important events it will bring.
One significant occasion you may be curious about is Ramadan, set to begin in early 2025.
Here is a comprehensive guide to Ramadan 2025, providing insights into its dates, purpose, and how people can support their friends and family during this holy month.
The precise dates of Ramadan in 2025 depend on the sighting of the moon, but it is anticipated to start on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025.
What is the purpose of Ramadan?
- Spiritual reflection: Ramadan is a time for Muslims to deepen their relationship with God (Allah) through increased prayer, reading the Koran, and engaging in worship acts.
- Fasting (sawm): From dawn until sunset, Muslims fast from food, drink, smoking, and intimate relations. This practice, known as sawm, cultivates self-discipline, self-control, and empathy for the less fortunate. Here’s what breaks your fast during Ramadan.
- Increased compassion and charity (zakat): Ramadan emphasises generosity and helping the needy. Muslims are encouraged to give zakat (charity) and engage in acts of kindness, fostering a sense of community and compassion.
- Community and family bonding: Ramadan encourages gathering with family and friends for iftar (the meal to break the fast) and communal prayers, reinforcing social bonds and a sense of belonging within the Muslim community.
- Self-purification: The month is a time for self-purification and spiritual growth, allowing people to reflect on their behaviour, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and strive for moral and ethical improvement.
- Commemoration of the Koran: Ramadan marks the month when the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims aim to read or recite the entire Koran during Ramadan to honour its significance.
It’s important to prioritise drinking enough water before and after fasting hours to prevent dehydration. Avoiding caffeinated beverages is also advisable, as they can increase water loss. Including hydrating foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can be helpful.
Maintaining a balanced diet during iftar (the meal to break the fast) and suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) is crucial.
During fasting hours, choose nutrient-dense foods that provide long-lasting energy, such as whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to support overall health and well-being.
Do all Muslims fast during Ramadan?
While fasting during Ramadan is a fundamental practice in Islam, not all Muslims are required to fast for various reasons. Here are some key points regarding who is exempt from fasting:
- Children: Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, although some may choose to participate in a limited way.
- The elderly: Older adults who may be unable to fast due to health concerns are exempt.
- Illness: Those who are sick or have a medical condition making fasting harmful to their health are excused from fasting. This can include chronic conditions or temporary conditions such as fevers.
- Pregnant and nursing women: Pregnant or breastfeeding women may be exempt from fasting if it could harm their health or their children.
- Menstruating women: Women who are menstruating are not allowed to fast. They are expected to make up the missed fasts at a later time.
- Travellers: Those travelling may be exempt from fasting, depending on the length and nature of the journey. They can make up the fasts later.
- Mental health: People experiencing severe mental health issues that impede their ability to fast may also be exempt.
For those who are exempt from fasting due to legitimate reasons, Islamic teachings often provide options such as:
- Fidya: Providing food to those in need as compensation for not fasting.
- Making up for missed fasts: Many people are encouraged to make up for any missed fasts later when they can.
How you can support your friends observing Ramadan
There are several ways non-Muslims can support their friends observing Ramadan. Consider hosting a dinner or iftar for your Muslim friends; you could even bring over a dish to save them from cooking.
Checking in on your fasting friends, encouraging them, and being mindful when scheduling meetings or events, can also be very supportive.
At its core, Ramadan is about recognising one’s blessings and expressing gratitude by helping those in need. While Muslims are encouraged to give back during this time, non-Muslims may also find Ramadan an excellent opportunity for charitable contributions.
