Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. Its start and end dates are based on the sighting of the new moon, so they shift slightly each year. Ramadan begins when the crescent moon is first seen after the month of Sha'ban, marking the commencement of a 29- or 30-day period of fasting from dawn to sunset. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours, devoting themselves to spiritual reflection, charity, and prayer.

The fast during Ramadan ends with another crescent moon sighting, marking the beginning of the next month, Shawwal. The first day of Shawwal is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday where Muslims gather with family and friends to give thanks, enjoy meals, and often give charity in the form of Zakat al-Fitr to support those in need.

The lunar nature of the Islamic calendar means that Ramadan arrives around ten to twelve days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar, making it occur in different seasons over time. This rotating schedule offers Muslims around the world varying fasting experiences, from long summer days in some years to shorter winter days in others.

Ramadan 2025: Potential Start Dates

In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin around the evening of February 28 and end around the evening of March 30, depending on the sighting of the moon. The exact dates may vary by a day or so, as local moon sightings can differ slightly by region. As the approach of Ramadan nears, communities and observatories confirm the beginning and end dates based on lunar observations.