Ramadan is an immensely spiritual month for Muslims across the globe, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and community celebrations. As the time approaches closer, we're all left wondering; when does Ramadan start in 2025? While the exact answer lies upon the moon sighting, one can determine the possible start by understanding the changes in the Islamic lunar calendar.
In this blog, let us find out how fasts during 2025 will be shorter than in 2024, the reasons behind this change, and how the shorter fasting times will affect our experience during Ramadan.
Why Ramadan Fasting Hours Will Be Shorter in 2025?
To know why fasting hours are shorter this year, we need to study how the Hijri calendar or lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar compare. The Islamic lunar calendar works according to the cycles of the moon, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the fixed 365 days of the Gregorian calendar.
Due to this variation, Ramadan moves back some 10 days every year. This implies Ramadan does not occur on the same day annually, and over time, it cycles through various seasons. Approximately, the 2025 Ramadan date will be Saturday, 1st of March 2025, a few ten days prior to the start of its 2024 equivalent.
The Relationship Between Ramadan Timings and Seasonal Changes
Daylight hours of Ramadan differ according to time of the year and the geographic location of where Ramadan is observed. In the late summer and early autumn season, in the Northern Hemisphere, where most are fasting during Ramadan, there will be longer daylight hours and fewer in late winter and early spring.
As Ramadan is beginning earlier in the year (in March instead of April or May), fasting will be done on shorter days. This will decrease the overall fasting hours per day in 2025 from the previous year, particularly for those living in areas with harsh seasonal changes.
Estimated Fasting Hours for 2025
Although we will have precise fasting durations and iftar times will be announced nearer to the beginning of Ramadan, we can make an informed guess of what are fasting hours on the basis of historical trends and the early date at the outset. In nations such as the UAE, where Ramadan typically experiences fasting durations of 13 to 15 hours, fasting durations should be around 12 to 13 hours this time, depending on the location and the duration of the day.
More to the north in other locations, including in parts of North America and some areas of Europe, the shorter daylight of early March can cause fasting periods to last 11 or 12 hours, far shorter than the multi-day fasts of summer holidays of past years.
Spiritual Benefits of Reduced Ramadan Fasting Hours
No matter how quick time keeps moving, the religious Ramadan structure doesn't change. It is a challenge, fasting for ramadan, but shorter times of fasting could bring a list of advantages:
Convenience for New Followers - Briefer Ramadan Fasting Hours
Might be a softer way to transition into the custom for new Muslims or first-time fasters.
More Energy for Night Prayers - Shorter fasting times mean more time and energy to spend on night prayers (Taraweeh) and social activities after breaking the fast.
Better Hydration - With fasting being not eating and drinking, shorter fasting times can make hydrating easier, particularly in summer weather.
How to Prepare for 2025 Ramadan
It doesn’t matter when is ramadan this year, preparation for the month begin well in advance and is necessary even with shorter fasting durations to experience a rich and rewarding Ramadan. Adhere to these tips in preparation:
Stock Up On Staples Beforehand - Start collecting dates, dried fruits, and other staples for Ramadan.
Organize Iftar and Suhoor Meals - Well-planned meals can sustain energy levels during fasting. Serve complex carbs, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables in balanced food.
Adjust Your Sleeping Pattern - Ramadan is usually associated with late night prayers and early morning breakfast. Gradually shifting your sleeping pattern before Ramadan begins can ease the transition.
Prepare Spiritually - Take time to reflect on your spiritual goals for Ramadan, whether it is to improve your prayers, develop a sense of gratitude, or give more to charity.
DUA - Make loads and loads of Dua, and this time beloved reader, we urge you to make dua for us, you and our entire world to have prosperity and great health because we would be doing the same!
Ramadan in Dubai - What to Expect
Fasting cycles for those spending Ramadan in Dubai, the experience is truly special. The city transforms with a spirit of togetherness, offering many opportunities for spiritual reflection and community gatherings.
Dubai’s restaurants and hotels host some of the most lavish iftar feasts, featuring a variety of traditional and international cuisines. If you’re already planning your first iftar, it’s a good idea to book early, as many popular venues fill up quickly.
The shorter Ramadan fasting hours in 2025 may also open the door for greater nightlife following iftar. Nights are the ideal time for family and friends' strolls, cultural shows, and midnight walks in the busy malls and souks of Dubai.
Ramadan, The Best Time Of The Year!
Just as the physical state of fasting becomes less strenuous in 2025 with reduced hours, there is still much spiritual effort needed. Ramadan itself is a period for nurturing someone's relationship with God, building appreciation, and exercising sympathy toward other humans. Through acts like fasting, charities, prayers, or voluntary community work, there are infinite ways of taking advantage of this fortunate month, and this blessed month would compliment a blissful rent a car monthly option with Beno.
As we get ready to welcome Ramadan in 2025, let us grasp the moment of introspection, connection, and rebirth. Less number of fasting hours might bring about some physical comfort, but Ramadan's essence is in the ecstasy and spirituality that it brings to our lives.
Whatever the number of years you might have been observing Ramadan or if this is your first time, we wish this year's Ramadan is calm, blessed, and full of renewed belief.
Ramadan Kareem!
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