The UAE's Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighting Committee has confirmed that Ramadan 2025 will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.
What to know:
- The announcement officially marks the start of the holy month in the Emirates.
- Muslims will observe fasting from dawn to sunset, engage in increased prayers, and focus on charity.
- Ramadan dates vary each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, with the start determined by moon sightings.
Stay with Newsweek for updates on Ramadan observances.
UAE confirms Ramadan 2025 will begin on March 1
The United Arab Emirates' Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighting Committee has announced that Ramadan 2025 will begin on Saturday, March 1. The decision was made after officials sighted the new crescent moon, marking the start of the holy month.
During Ramadan, Muslims across the UAE and the world will observe fasting from dawn to sunset, engage in increased prayers, and focus on acts of charity. The exact dates of Ramadan vary each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, with the start determined by the moon sighting.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrateEid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast." This major holiday is a time of joy, gratitude, and community. Children traditionally receive new clothes, money, or gifts from family and friends, adding to the festive spirit.
On the morning of Eid, a special prayer and sermon are held, followed by gatherings in parks or large halls where communities come together to celebrate. Food, games, and socializing play a central role in the festivities, as families and friends reunite. The traditional greeting, Eid Mubarak, means "blessed holiday," reflecting the joy and blessings of the occasion.
Breaking the fast with dates and water: A traditional Ramadan custom
Breaking the fast with dates or water is the only strictly traditional culinary custom associated with Ramadan. Dates, which are a concentrated source of energy and easily digestible, are particularly suited for this purpose, providing a quick replenishment after a long day of fasting.
While dates and water are the standard, many Muslim-populated countries feature a variety of special dishes and desserts during Ramadan. These meals vary by region, offering a rich array of flavors that reflect local traditions and culinary practices, but the tradition of starting with dates remains a universal practice.
Mosques foster community and charity during Ramadan
During Ramadan, many mosques host daily community dinners where Muslims can gather to break their fast together. These meals are especially beneficial for students, the less fortunate, or anyone seeking a break from cooking. Some mosques also hold special community dinners on weekends.
In addition to meals, mosques offer Taraweeh prayers after the night prayer. During Taraweeh, the prayer leader recites one 30th of the Qur'an each night, ensuring the entire Qur'an is recited by the end of Ramadan.
Given Ramadan's emphasis on charity, many mosques organize food drives and fundraising events to support those in need. Additionally, mosques often host open houses, inviting friends and neighbors from all faiths to join in the fast-breaking meal, or iftar.
The Night of Power, or Lailat al-Qadr, is observed during the last ten days of Ramadan, with the 27th night being the most widely recognized. This night is believed to be when the Qur'an was first revealed, and mosques remain open all night for prayer, recitation, and reflection.
A typical day during Ramadan for a Muslim family
A Muslim family typically begins their day before dawn with a modest meal called Suhur. After eating, they perform the Morning Prayer and, depending on the situation, may either return to bed or start their day. During the summer months, it's common for people to take a nap in the late afternoon after work or school to recharge.
At sunset, the family breaks their fast with dates and water, followed by light foods such as soup, appetizers, or fruit—this meal is called Iftar, meaning "breaking the fast." After performing the Sunset Prayer, they have dinner together. Inviting guests for Iftar or visiting others' homes to share the meal is a common tradition during Ramadan.
Later in the evening, many families go to the mosque for the Night Prayer and Taraweeh, a special prayer performed during Ramadan. The day often ends late, depending on the time of year, as longer days in summer lead to later evenings, while shorter winter days adjust the schedule.
Children and fasting during Ramadan
In Ramadan, children are not required to fast until they reach puberty, but many begin practicing symbolic fasting around the age of seven. This often involves fasting half days or on weekends as a way to gradually prepare for the full fast.
The practice helps children develop a sense of inclusion during the month-long observance.
Mosques typically offer special recognition to children who complete their first full day of fasting or experience their first Ramadan, celebrating this milestone in their spiritual journey.
What is Ramadan and its significance for Muslims?
Ramadan is a significant spiritual and physical observance for Muslims, during which they fast from pre-dawn until sunset for a period of 29 to 30 days. The fast involves abstaining from food, drink, and, for married individuals, sexual activity during daylight hours. Depending on the time of year, fasting can last between 11 and 16 hours.
The month of Ramadan serves as a time for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Muslims use this period to train themselves spiritually by avoiding negative behaviors like gossip, lying, and arguing. The ultimate goal of fasting is to achieve greater God-consciousness, known as taqwa, which refers to a heightened awareness of God that leads to greater discipline, self-restraint, and a commitment to moral excellence.
Ramadan also promotes community as Muslims often break their fast together and gather for prayers at the mosque. In addition, many Muslims aim to read the entire Qur'an during Ramadan, as it is believed to be the month when the Qur'an was first revealed. Special nightly prayers are held in which the entire Qur'an is recited.
Ramadan fasting rules: dos and don'ts for health and spirituality — Part 2
What to avoid during Ramadan:
- Skipping Suhoor, which can lead to fatigue and hunger.
- Overeating at Iftar, which may result in bloating or weight gain.
- Wasting food by preparing too much.
- Neglecting prayers, as they are vital to spiritual growth.
- Leading an inactive lifestyle; managing energy is essential.
- Consuming too many fried or sugary foods, leading to sluggishness.
- Drinking excessive caffeine, which may lead to dehydration.
- Ignoring water intake, increasing the risk of fatigue.
- Eating too quickly at Iftar, which can cause indigestion.
Ramadan fasting rules: dos and don'ts for health and spirituality
During Ramadan, fasting is a time of spiritual reflection and self-discipline, with specific dietary habits playing a key role in maintaining both physical health and energy. To make the most of fasting, it's important to follow both the spiritual and physical guidelines.
What to do during Ramadan:
- Fast with sincerity, focusing on purification and self-discipline.
- Perform additional prayers like Taraweeh.
- Give to charity and support those in need.
- Maintain patience, avoiding negativity, arguments, or gossip.
- Wake up for Suhoor to ensure sustained energy throughout the day.
- Drink enough water between Iftar and Suhoor to avoid dehydration.
- Consume balanced meals, with complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber.
- Include hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, yogurt, and soups.
- Break the fast with dates, fruit, or light soup before moving to heavier meals.
- Practice portion control to avoid discomfort or bloating.
White House iftar tradition dates back to 1805
The tradition of hosting an iftar dinner at the White House dates back to 1805, when President Thomas Jefferson held a dinner for Sidi Soliman Mellimelli, a Tunisian diplomat observing Ramadan. However, it wasn't until the last two and a half decades that the practice became a more regular occurrence, with some exceptions.
In recent years, U.S. presidents have held iftar dinners, though there have been varying levels of engagement. President Joe Biden canceled last year's event after some Muslim American invitees declined to attend, citing concerns over his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Donald Trump participated in iftar dinners in 2018 and 2019 but did not host one during his first year in office.
As of now, the White House has not officially announced plans for a 2025 iftar dinner. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
History and observance of Ramadan
Ramadan, the holy month in Islam, commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. During this time, many Muslims focus on reading and reciting the sacred text.
The month of Ramadan is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, a tradition practiced for over 1,400 years. The fast is typically broken with "iftar," an evening meal shared with loved ones, often starting with water and dates, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad. Exemptions from fasting are made for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and the ill.
Ramadan is a time of prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. Muslims are encouraged to engage in charity and strengthen community bonds through communal meals and gatherings.
Nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, with variations in traditions across different countries and communities. In some regions, work hours are adjusted to accommodate the fast. The timing of Ramadan shifts each year, as the Islamic lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The length of daily fasting also varies depending on geographic location, ranging from 13 to 16 hours.
Islam is the third-largest religion in the U.S., with approximately 4.5 million Muslims living there.
Ramadan begins with crescent moon sighting, expected to start March 1
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, shifts earlier each year due to the moon's cycles. It officially begins when the crescent moon is sighted after the new moon.
A new moon occurred on February 27, meaning the crescent moon is likely to be seen Friday evening, making March 1 the expected first day of Ramadan. While calculations may vary, the holy month is largely anticipated to end on March 30.
The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, which begins with the next crescent moon sighting. A common greeting during the celebration is "Eid Mubarak."
