When Does Ramadan 2025 Start?
Ramadan 2025 corresponds to 1446 AH in the Hijri calendar. Based on the Umm al-Qura calendar (Saudi Arabia), Ramadan 1446 AH began on Saturday, 1 March 2025 and ended on Sunday, 30 March 2025 โ making it a 30-day month.
Confirmed Ramadan 2025 Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 1st of Ramadan (First day of fasting) | Saturday, 1 March 2025 |
| 15th of Ramadan | Saturday, 15 March 2025 |
| 21st Ramadan (Start of last 10 nights) | Friday, 21 March 2025 |
| 27th Ramadan (Most likely Laylat al-Qadr) | Thursday, 27 March 2025 |
| Last day of Ramadan (30th) | Sunday, 30 March 2025 |
| Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal 1446) | Monday, 31 March 2025 |
Ramadan Fasting Rules
Muslims fast from Fajr (pre-dawn) to Maghrib (sunset) every day during Ramadan. The fast (Sawm) involves abstaining from:
- Food and drink (including water)
- Smoking and medications taken orally
- Sexual relations during fasting hours
- Anything that intentionally breaks the fast (futile speech, backbiting, etc. โ though these do not technically break the fast, they diminish its spiritual reward)
The pre-dawn meal before Fajr is called Suhoor (Sahur), and the meal to break the fast at Maghrib is called Iftar. It is Sunnah to break the fast with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ.
Who Is Exempt From Fasting?
- Children who have not yet reached puberty
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (who may make up missed days later)
- The elderly who find fasting a genuine hardship
- Travellers (who may make up missed days)
- Those with serious illness (who may give Fidya โ a charity payment โ if unable to make up the fast)
Tarawih Prayers
Tarawih are special night prayers performed after Isha throughout Ramadan. They are Sunnah Mu'akkadah (an emphasised Sunnah) and can be performed in congregation at the mosque or at home. The Prophet ๏ทบ said: "Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Most mosques complete the entire Quran (Khatm) in Tarawih over the 30 nights of Ramadan.
Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) falls in the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan โ most likely the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th. Worship on this night is worth more than 1,000 months (over 83 years) of worship, as stated in Surah Al-Qadr (97:3).
The Prophet ๏ทบ would spend the entire last 10 nights in worship and I'tikaf (seclusion in the mosque). The most celebrated night is the 27th of Ramadan (Thursday, 27 March 2025 / Friday night beginning 26 March).
Ramadan Quran Schedule: Completing a Full Khatm
The Quran has 30 Juz (chapters). To complete the Quran in 30 days, read 1 Juz per day. Here is a simple daily schedule:
- After Fajr: ยฝ Juz (~20 minutes of slow, focused recitation)
- After Dhuhr or Asr: ยผ Juz
- During or after Tarawih: ยผ Juz
If you cannot read Arabic fluently, focus on listening to a reciter (e.g., Sheikh Mishary Al-Afasy) while following along, or improve your reading speed with a qualified teacher before next Ramadan.
Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity (Sadaqah) given by every Muslim before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. The amount is approximately equivalent to the cost of one meal in your country. It must be paid before the Eid prayer on 31 March 2025. Many Islamic organisations in the UK, USA, and Australia set the Fitr amount annually โ typically ยฃ5โ$10 per person.
Ramadan 2025 by Country
| Country | Start Date (Expected) | End / Eid |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 1 March 2025 | 31 March 2025 |
| United Kingdom | 1โ2 March 2025 | 30โ31 March 2025 |
| United States | 1โ2 March 2025 | 30โ31 March 2025 |
| Australia | 1โ2 March 2025 | 30โ31 March 2025 |
| Canada | 1โ2 March 2025 | 30โ31 March 2025 |
How to Prepare for Ramadan
The best preparation for Ramadan begins before the month arrives. Here is a practical pre-Ramadan checklist:
- Make up any missed fasts (Qadha) from last year before Sha'ban ends
- Set a Quran goal: 1 Khatm, finishing a specific Surah, improving Tajweed
- Book Quran classes so you can read with proper Tajweed during Tarawih
- Plan your Suhoor/Iftar routine to avoid oversleeping and missing Fajr
- Increase voluntary fasts in Sha'ban (the month before Ramadan) to acclimatise
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan 2025
Can I brush my teeth while fasting?
Yes, using a toothbrush and toothpaste is permitted as long as you do not swallow any water or toothpaste. Using a Miswak (natural toothbrush) is highly recommended. Avoid flavoured mouthwash.
Does vomiting break the fast?
Involuntary vomiting does not break the fast. However, deliberately inducing vomiting does break the fast and must be made up.
Can I use an inhaler while fasting?
This is a matter of scholarly difference. Many scholars consider medical inhalers (for asthma) not to break the fast as no nutrients enter the body. Consult your local imam or Islamic scholar.
