Ramadan Fasting Begins

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month in Islam. Muslims across the world fast during this month following the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. Fasting is made compulsory for every Muslim adult, and they cannot skip it unless they have a genuine reason, like falling so sick that it is not possible to fast. The last nights of Ramadan are important and most valuable, as one of these odd nights is the Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power). It was this night that the Quran was revealed by the Prophet (ﷺ) as a book of guidance for all humans despite of their religion. Ramadan brings blessings, and access to heaven gets easier. 

It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that: "The Messenger of Allah used to encourage (us) to pray Qiyam during Ramadan, without insisting on that, and he said: 'Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayers out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins'" (Sunan an Nasa'i Book 22, Haith 109)

What is Ramadan Fasting?

Fasting means giving up on your food and drink. When Ramadan arrives, Muslims fast for the entire month from dawn to dusk to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎. In Ramadan, fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about giving up sexual desires, foul language, backbiting, and anything forbidden in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor or sehri following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and they break their fast or iftar at sunset with dates, fruits, and other items. In Ramadan, there is a special prayer along with the five obligatory prayers called Taraweeh which Muslims can offer in the mosque or even at their homes. It's a common practice to offer it in congregation in Masjids after the isha prayers.

Every night, Muslims make a routine to wake up early, partake in suhoor, pray Fajr prayer, and go to work. Fasting strengthens their body system and not weakens it, helping them perform all their tasks along with fasting. After the day, when the sun sets and the maghrib adhan is called, Muslims break their fast, thank Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, and head towards their prayers. Ramadan fasting not only strengthens spirituality but also strengthens the body and teaches self-discipline.

When Does Ramadan Fasting Begin?

Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, or Sunday, March 2, 2025, depending on your location. The holy of Ramadan starts with the sighting of the new crescent moon. After the sighting of the Ramadan moon, Taraweeh prayers are offered in the Muslim world. Ramadan is the 9th month of Hijiri Calendar and comes after Shaban. It is the month of fasting, excessive worship, and charity. Fasting, also called Sawm, is the fourth pillar in Islam, and it is mandatory for a Muslim who has reached adulthood to fast the entire month of Ramadan. The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, and this shifts Ramadan from approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Georgian calendar. The fasting months keep changing each year, and over the years, changes in seasons are also experienced. Northern countries like Canada and Sweden may experience fasting for a long duration in summer and a shorter fasting period during winter.

Key Rules of Fasting

Muslims began fasting preparation in the last part of the night. They prepare suhoor and eat a healthy meal to fast for the rest of the day. The fasting begins before the Fajr Adhaan is called on, so, at a specific given time, everyone stops eating, says their dua to fast, and from that minute onwards, they abstain from eating or drinking or doing sins for the rest of the day. To complete your fast according to the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ and following the Sunnah of Muhammad (ﷺ), you have to follow certain key rules in Ramadan:

• Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Suhoor is a pre-dawn meal that Muslims eat before the fasting begins. It's best and recommended to eat a healthy meal to keep up with your energy throughout the day. If you missed suhoor, you can still fast. However, suhoor is sunnah, and it is recommended that you eat something to maintain your energy throughout the day.
• Iftar: Muslims break their fasts when the Maghrib adhaan is called with iftar. Normally, Muslims break their fast with dates and water following the Sunnah and then have a full meal to reenergize themselves.
• Avoid Wrongdoings: To keep the fast intact, it's not just the food and drink that you have to avoid but also any bad habits like smoking, backbiting, gossiping, lying, fighting, or any sinful behavior. This will lead your fast to be nullified even if you keep avoiding the food.
• Exemption: Fasting is compulsory for every Muslim adult except those who are sick, and fasting can worsen the condition. It's excused for the elderly, travelers, and pregnant or nursing women. Females who are mensurating are also forbidden from keeping fast during that time period.

Those who were unable to fast during Ramadan due to any above reasons can later make up for it. But those who are elderly or anyone experiencing a disease that does not allow them to fast can give Fidya - feed the needy. Except for the mentioned condition, no one can leave fast just because they don't feel like keeping it. Fasting in Ramadan is mandatory and has immense benefits.

Spiritual & Health Benefits

Fasting during Ramadan is not about just about avoiding food but it has a great impact on your health and spirituality.

• Fasting teaches us patience and self-control. By following the time for everything we do in Ramadan, we become disciplined and learn the importance of routine.
• Fasting teaches us gratitude. When we get food after long hours of waiting with dry mouths and hungry stomachs, we learn to thank Allah for giving us in abundance.
• When fasting, we learn compassion for the less fortunate, helping us become more empathetic and involved in acts of charity, kindness, and generosity.
• When you don't eat and drink for long hours, it allows your body to rest and reset your system. It helps to flush toxins, improve digestion, and regulate your slow metabolism.

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