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One of the most cherished and important times in the Islamic calendar is just around the corner. We are talking about Ramadan 2025. The holy month will once again welcome fasting, heartfelt prayers, and community celebration. Whether you are a long-term observer, new to the experience, or wish to understand the concept of Ramadan better, this guide is for you.
The guide is designed to help you understand what Ramadan means, how it is observed, and some local tips to make the most of this sacred month.
Ramadan is a holistic act of worshipping. It is intended to purify the soul and foster a deeper connection with Allah. During Ramadan, the Muslim community not only abstains from food and water but also from sinful acts as directed and focuses on acts of worship. These acts of worship come in different forms, such as reciting the Holy Quran, offering prayers (Tarawih), and doing charity.
Beyond the holy meaning attached to this month, Ramadan is also a time of reflection. It is a time to think of all the good things we have in life. It marks a complete reset in day-to-day life, marked by an increase in prayer and frequent gatherings with your loved ones.
The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. In the UAE, the local religious authorities and astronomical data guide this decision. This year, the holy month is predicted to begin on the 1st of March. However, the official start date will be determined by the moon sighting committee.
On the first day of Ramadan, the fasting hours are expected to be 12 hours and 58 minutes. By the 11th day, the hours are expected to increase to 13 hours and 13 minutes, and on the last day, it will increase to 13 hours and 41 minutes. The temperatures are expected to range from 21°C to 28°C, averaging 24°C.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is linked to the cleansing of your soul and body with a faithful reconsideration of priorities. Also known as Sawm, it is imposed on every healthy adult in the community for self-restraint, self-discipline, and spiritual elevation.
During Ramadan, the rules for fasting are very clear. Below is a brief overview for you:
Abstinence is the foundation of Ramadan fasting. From dawn until sunset, the community refrains from consuming any food or drinks. In addition to this, the community refrains from smoking. The removal of these habits is seen as a way to cleanse the body and mind, reinforcing the idea that Ramadan is a time for renewal and purification.
Besides abstinence, behavior is another important aspect of fasting. Ramadan calls for upholding high moral standards and positive behavior. This means that during Ramadan, extra care is taken to avoid negative actions and thoughts. Everyone is encouraged to steer clear of any sinful conduct and focus on kindness, forgiveness, and empathy.
Known in Arabic as niyyah, the intention behind fasting transforms this physical act into a spiritual one. The correct intention helps to align the mind with the body, reminding the individual that the fast is not about deprivation but about developing a closer connection to God and deepening one's understanding of faith.
There are some reasons why one may be exempted from fasting during Ramadan. These are:
If the individual is sick
While travelling. For this, the journey should be long enough that the prayers are shortened, the traveller must not intend to settle in the place they are travelling to, and the journey should be for a sound purpose. However, the exemption from fasting is cancelled if the individual returns and enters his hometown, where they reside, and if the individual decides to stay indefinitely and the place is fit for settling.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may decide to break their fast if they think that they or their children will fall ill, be harmed, or die.
Those who are senile and old, growing weaker day by day or approaching death. They have a choice to not fast and instead feed a poor person every day.
The following things can break one's fast during Ramadan:
Sexual activity or masturbating
Drinking, eating, or smoking
Vomiting deliberately
Post-natal bleeding
Menstruation
Medicine, pills, drugs, drip or injection
Kidney dialysis
Letting out blood by means of cupping
You begin your day with suhoor. In this, you have a meal before dawn to help you tide over the day. Throughout the day, you then fast and practice 'sabr' or patience. When you break your fast at Iftar (sunset), you must first offer a prayer and recite the dua. After that, you should have either a date (fresh or dried) or a sip of water as soon as possible.
The community offers different types of prayers during Ramadan in addition to the 5 prayers daily. Below are the two kinds:
It is a special prayer exclusive to the holy month of Ramadan. Taraweeh refers to nightly prayers or Sunnah, which involves reading the holy Quran in a group. The goal is to recite the entire Quran in a period of 30 days. The Taraweeh prayers are streamed live from Makkah. Thus, it is an opportunity for everyone to hear the Quran in its entirety. However, the Taraweeh is optional.
This is yet another very important time of the month. The Quran says that the Laylat al-Qadr is equal to 1000 years. Consequently, the power of prayers you offer on this day is unimaginable. It falls on one of the odd nights in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Though most people believe it's the 27th night, no one knows for certain and thus, people are encouraged to pray on all ten nights.
Although restaurants and cafes remain open for non-muslims, it is requested that everyone avoids eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for the community. This even includes chewing gums in public.
Refrain from wearing inappropriate clothing in public.
Do not listen to loud music in the public. You are allowed to listen to music on earphones, though.
Do not dance in public.
Avoid swearing in public as it is considered sinful.
Do not refuse a gift or an invitation to join someone at Iftar.
Avoid excessive displays of affection.
Besides the points mentioned above, there are other aspects to be mindful of. They are listed below for you:
Working hours are officially reduced by 2 hours during Ramadan. Everyone, including the non-muslims, is entitled to this without a pay cut.
Many cooperative stores and hypermarkets offer huge discounts on essential commodities. However, some retailers may try to take advantage of the increased demand. To keep this in check, the Ministry of Economy sets a cap price for essential commodities.
Most restaurants adhere to fasting hours. They remain closed during the day and open after evening prayers. So check with the restaurant and cafe.
Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and deep reflection. It teaches everyone patience, gratitude, and the importance of community. So whether you observe Ramadan or support someone who observes it, embracing the values it preaches can inspire you to lead a more meaningful, compassionate life.
