Ramadan (March)
🌙 What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is believed to be the month when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The dates of Ramadan vary each year based on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 28 and end on March 29 (United States) with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
🔑 Key Aspects of Ramadan
🕋 Fasting (Sawm) – From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs as an act of spiritual discipline. The fast is broken each evening with Iftar, a meal that traditionally begins with dates and water.
🙏 Prayer & Spiritual Reflection – Muslims engage in extra prayers, including Taraweeh, a special nightly prayer performed in congregation. The last ten nights of Ramadan are especially sacred, with Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) believed to be when the Qur’an was first revealed.
🤝 Charity & Community – Acts of kindness, generosity, and charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) are encouraged. Many donate to those in need and provide meals for the less fortunate.
🎉 Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) – Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a joyful celebration with prayers, feasts, gift-giving, and gatherings with family and friends.
⚠️ Why Is Ramadan Important?
Spiritual renewal – Strengthens faith and deepens connection to God.
Self-discipline – Encourages patience, gratitude, and self-control.
Empathy & compassion – Fasting fosters understanding of the struggles of the less fortunate.
Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are the core beliefs and practices that guide the lives of Muslims, serving as the foundation for their faith and actions. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, these pillars are:
Profession of Faith (shahada)
This central tenet involves declaring the belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This proclamation affirms one's commitment to Islam and is a fundamental expression of Islamic faith.
Prayer (salat)
Muslims are required to perform ritual prayers five times daily—at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark—while facing Mecca. These prayers include recitations from the Qur'an and serve as a constant reminder of the importance of faith in daily life.
Alms (zakat)
In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to community members in need. This practice not only supports the community but also purifies one's wealth, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion towards others.
Fasting (sawn)
During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink. Through this temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of and gratitude for everything God has provided in their lives—including the Qur'an, which was first revealed during this month.
Pilgrimage (hijj)
Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least one visit to the holy city of Mecca. The Ka'ba, a cubical structure covered in black embroidered hangings, is at the center of the Haram Mosque in Mecca. Muslims believe that it is the house Abraham built for God, and face in its direction when they pray.
These pillars are not merely rituals but are intended to shape a Muslim's character and foster a sense of responsibility towards others.
🕙 Ramadan Timetable 2025
Want to determine the Ramadan timetable for your area? Use this calendar
🎗️Honoring and Celebrating Ramadan
Even if you don’t practice the Islamic faith, you can celebrate and show respect for Ramadan if you choose by embracing its core values:
✨ Spiritual Renewal – Take time for self-reflection, gratitude, and mindfulness. Engage in quiet moments of meditation, journaling, or reading about different faiths and cultures.
💪 Self-Discipline – Practice moderation and self-control in daily habits. Consider giving up an indulgence, limiting screen time, or setting personal growth goals to challenge yourself.
❤️ Empathy & Compassion – Support those in need through acts of kindness and charity. Volunteer, donate to a cause, or simply check in on friends and neighbors observing Ramadan.
🙏 Other Holidays Observed During March
Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025): Observed by many Christian denominations, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter.
Purim (March 13–14, 2025): A joyous Jewish festival commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from a Persian plot, as recounted in the Book of Esther. Celebrations include reading the Megillah (Book of Esther), feasting, and giving gifts.
Naw-Rúz (March 20–21, 2025): The Bahá'í New Year, celebrated on the vernal equinox. It marks the end of the 19-day fast and the beginning of the Bahá'í calendar year. Festivities include prayers, music, and communal gatherings.
Holi (March 14, 2025): A Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Known as the Festival of Colors, it involves bonfires, dancing, and the playful throwing of colored powders.
Attukal Pongala (March 13, 2025): A unique Hindu festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala, India. Millions of women gather to prepare a sweet offering cooked in earthen pots, making it one of the largest annual gatherings of women globally.
Additional Resources
Ramadan is a time of unity, self-improvement, and devotion, bringing millions of people together in a shared commitment to faith, kindness, and reflection.