Ramadan 2025 start date around the world: Dos & don'ts to follow during the holy Islamic month

Ramadan dos and don’ts: Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam, observed with fasting, prayers, and spiritual reflection. This year, Ramadan 2025 will begin on a rare occasion when Muslims worldwide will see the crescent moon together. Typically, the Ramadan moon is first seen in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and some Western nations, while South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka sight it a day later. However, in a unique turn of events, Muslims worldwide will simultaneously observe Ramadan.

Islamic authorities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Afghanistan, Nepal, Oman, Iraq, Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Germany, and other countries have called on Muslims to look for the Ramadan crescent moon on Friday evening, February 28, 2025. This corresponds to 29 Sha'ban 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan fasting will begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025; otherwise, it will start on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Saudi Arabia's Official Moon Sighting Announcement

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Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has urged citizens to look for the Ramadan 2025 crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025. The local media reported that people in the Kingdom are encouraged to observe the moon and report any sightings to their nearest court. The International Astronomical Centre in Abu Dhabi predicts that the crescent moon, marking the beginning of Ramadan 2025, is highly likely to be visible on this day.

Astronomical experts have confirmed that the crescent will be observable through telescopes in West Asia, most of Africa, and southern Europe, while parts of the Americas may witness it with the naked eye. Given that the moon will set after sunset in all regions, most Islamic countries are expected to declare the start of Ramadan 2025 on March 1, 2025.

Ramadan 2025 Moon Sighting in India & Other South Asian Countries

Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will also be looking for the crescent moon on Friday, February 28, 2025. According to Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali of the Markazi Chand Committee in Lucknow, if the moon is sighted on Friday evening, Taraweeh prayers will begin that night, and fasting will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025, reported in HT.?If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan 2025 will start on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Dos and Don’ts of Ramadan Fasting

Fasting during Ramadan requires discipline and devotion. Here are five essential dos and don'ts to follow during this sacred month:

5 Dos of Ramadan Fasting

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• Have a Nutritious Sehri (Pre-Dawn Meal) – Eating a balanced Sehri is crucial for sustaining energy throughout the day. Opt for high-fiber foods, proteins, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Break Your Fast with Dates and Water – Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it is best to open the Iftar meal with dates and water. Dates provide quick energy, and water helps with hydration before eating a full meal.
• Increase Prayers & Quran Recitation – Ramadan is a time of spiritual upliftment. Engage in extra prayers such as Taraweeh, recite the Quran, and make Dua for blessings.
• Be Charitable and Help Others – Giving Zakat (mandatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) during Ramadan is highly rewarding. Providing Iftar meals to the less fortunate is also encouraged.
• Practice Patience and Kindness – Fasting is not just about avoiding food and drink; it also involves self-control. Stay calm, avoid arguments, and maintain good manners throughout the day.

5 Don’ts of Ramadan Fasting

• Don’t Skip Sehri – Avoid missing the pre-dawn meal, as it can leave you feeling weak and dehydrated during the day. Even if not hungry, eat something light and drink plenty of water.
• Don’t Overeat at Iftar – Overindulging in fried, oily, or sugary foods after breaking the fast can lead to bloating and discomfort. Eat in moderation and choose healthy, nutrient-rich foods.
• Don’t Waste Time on Unproductive Activities – Ramadan is a period for spiritual reflection. Reduce time spent on social media, TV, or unnecessary distractions, and focus on prayer and self-improvement.
• Don’t Use Harsh Language or Gossip – Avoid lying, arguing, or speaking negatively about others, as these actions can reduce the spiritual rewards of fasting.
• Don’t Delay Maghrib & Taraweeh Prayers – Perform Maghrib prayer immediately after breaking the fast, and try not to skip Taraweeh prayers, which hold great significance during Ramadan.

Ramadan 2025 is a time of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. With an extraordinary global moon sighting event, this year's fasting is set to begin in unity across many countries. As believers prepare for this sacred month, following the Ramadan dos and don’ts will help them maintain the true essence of fasting. Whether in Saudi Arabia, India, the USA, the UK, or anywhere else, Muslims will welcome Ramadan 2025 with devotion, patience, and gratitude.

May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and spiritual fulfilment to all!

FAQs:

What is Ramadan Dua?

Ramadan dua is an act of worship that can bring great spiritual benefits to believers. It helps to strengthen one's faith and deepen their relationship with Allah. It can also serve as a means of self-reflection and introspection, as believers reflect on their actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings.

How Many Fasting Days in Ramadan?

The duration of the Ramadan fast is one lunar month, usually 29 or 30 days.

What is Iftar and Sehri (Suhoor)?

Iftar is a meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This is followed by a prayer called the Maghrib prayer. Then, depending on the region, the iftar meal consists of a variety of traditional dishes, such as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. After the meal, many Muslims attend a special congregational prayer called the Tarawih.

What is dua for Sehri in Ramadan?

The dua for Sehri is “Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan” means “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan” after reading this dua in Ramadan 2025 for fasting in Sehri you are not permissible to eat and drink anything till the time of Iftaar.

What is dua for Iftar in Ramadan?

Iftar, also known as futoor (the Arabic word for breakfast), is a meal held every day during Ramadan at sunset. You can break your fast by saying this Ramadan iftar dua, 'Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu'.?

What date is Laylatul Qadr 2025?

In many Muslim cultures, Laylat Al-Qadr or Shab-e-qadar 2025 is observed on the 27th night of Ramadan which is expected to fall on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

When is Laylat Al-Qadr observed?

As per Islamic tradition, Muslims are advised to look for it during the odd nights of the holy month's last 10 days. This means that in Islam, the holiest night may fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night of the month.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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