Ramadan 2025

Ramadan is a holy month in Islam. Muslims reflect, give more charity and fast. With 2025 beginning, Muslims across the world are eagerly awaiting and preparing for this sacred month. Ramadan allows Muslims to strengthen their faith and their relationship with Allah (SWT). It also encourages and reminds Muslims to support those in need as giving during this time brings immense reward.

The act of giving to those in need is a core value and pillar of Islam. It is advised to give especially during the holy month of Ramadan due to the blessings and rewards Muslims can receive. It is more powerful to give in this sacred month. A great way to give back during the month of Ramadan 2025 is to donate to great causes by supporting charities, such as Emaan Relief. Explore Ramadan and our amazing causes you can donate to below.

How did Ramadan start in Islam? 

The sacred month marks a period of fasting, reflection and devotion to Allah (SWT). It is a month where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. Instead, they use their time to recite the Quran and strengthen their connection to Allah (SWT).

To grasp how and why Ramadan started, it is important to look back to 610 AD when Islam began. During this significant year, Muhammad (PBUH) meditated in the cave of Hira near Mecca. This is when the angel Jibril visited him and revealed the first words of what is now the Quran. Angel Jibril explained that Allah (SWT) is the one and only God. This encounter began Islam and gave the foundations for the values that define it.

After this, Muhammad (PBUH) passed on the revelations and core teachings he was receiving. Many Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) continued to receive these teachings from Allah (SWT) over 23 years. One of these revelations included the Five Pillars of Islam and one of these is fasting (Sawm).

So, how did Ramadan start in Islam? Well, this aligns with the timing of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) revelations. For many who believe this happened over two decades, it is believed that Ramadan was formed around 622 AD. Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers were in Medina at this time and the hot climate is believed to have influenced the term Ramadan, which means burning heat.

The importance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan 

The importance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan lies in the virtues, blessings and benefits of Ramadan. Fasting and partaking in the month of Ramadan gives Muslims significant and powerful rewards while building a strong connection to Allah (SWT), reflecting and growing spiritually.

The virtues of Ramadan 

Ramadan is a month filled with virtues that transform lives and touch souls. The virtues of Ramadan extend beyond fasting and give Muslims numerous spiritual benefits and blessings of Allah (SWT). Some of these virtues of Ramadan are:

• The opening of the gates of heaven: During Ramadan, the gates of heaven are wide open, and the gates of hell are locked away. Forgiveness and mercy are granted due to this and seeking repentance is encouraged.
• Immense reward: Fasting promises an immense reward compared to other acts of worship.
• Strengthening the relationship with Allah (SWT): Reciting the Quran, night prayers and increased charity during the month enhance the virtues of Ramadan and strengthens the bond with Allah (SWT).
• Amends for sins: During the darkness, Ramadan is a beacon of light that shows the path of righteousness. Fasting is a way to make amends for past sins, returning to a purer soul.
• Five rewards from Allah (SWT): When Ramadan begins, Allah (SWT) gives five rewards to those who fast.
• Forgiveness: Partaking in Ramadan gives Muslims forgiveness from Allah for their sins.  Saying “Astaghfirullah” helps correctly seek Allah’s forgiveness.

The blessings of Ramadan 

The blessings of Ramadan are slightly different from the virtues and bring immense rewards. Each blessing serves as a reminder of the divine mercy and guidance granted to Muslims during the sacred month. Some of these blessings of Ramadan are:

• The Quran was revealed: in Ramadan the Quran was sent down to guide mankind. The revelation became a form of guidance to Muslims.
• Fasting and being God-conscious: Fasting in Ramadan develops Taqwa, consciousness of Allah and by abstaining from worldly desires a believer can focus on inner growth.
• Increased reward for good deeds: In Ramadan, the reward for good deeds is multiplied numerous times over, making it the ideal time for increased acts of charity, kindness, and worship.
• The Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr): Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree, is a special time that happens in the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is a night of divine blessings. “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”- Quran 97:3. This verse shows its superiority as it equates acts of worship on this night to worshipping for a thousand months.
• The joy that breaking the fast brings: Breaking fast at sunset is a moment of great joy and gratitude for Muslims. It shows the fulfilment of their obedience to Allah’s (SWT) command and the sustenance he provides.
• Self-reflection and improvement: During the month the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of Hellfire are closed. This creates the ideal environment for self-reflection and personal growth/improvement.

Benefits of Ramadan 

Ramadan brings lots of benefits to Muslims and improves them spiritually, mentally and physically.

Spiritually, Ramadan gives many blessings, elevating the connection to Allah (SWT) and helping Muslims gain a pure heart. These spiritual benefits are:

• Increased reward in the afterlife
• Connecting to Allah (SWT)
• Increasing Taqwa (consciousness of Allah SWT).

Beyond these spiritual benefits, Muslims partaking in Ramadan can gain multiple physical benefits and better mental well-being. These are:

• Lower cholesterol and good heart health
• Detox from toxins and renewed digestion
• Weight loss and balanced eating
• Better mood and inner peace
• Reduced anxiety through reflection and forgiveness
• Decrease in stress.

When is the next Ramadan? 

The month of Ramadan 2025 is expected to occur on the evening of the 28th of February with the first day of fasting on the 1st of March. This is dependent on the sighting of the moon as the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Ramadan will end before the day of Eid al-Fitr which is expected to take place on the 30th of March or the 31st of March.

Ramadan preparation  

Ramadan preparation is vital for Muslims to be ready for the significant month and it involves a multitude of aspects to ensure they can properly partake and reap the blessings and rewards. These ways to prepare can be:

• Start fasting before: It is Sunnah to fast on Mondays and Thursdays so trying to fast at least once a week in the leadup to Ramadan can help your body and mind prepare.
• Fulfil your prayers: Ensuring to do all five prayers in a day is a great way to prepare for Ramadan and all the prayers that are involved in the month.
• Use a Ramadan planner: This helps to be fully prepared as Muslims can create Ramadan preparation checklists and boost motivation.
• Cut down on caffeine: Cutting down on caffeine allows the body to prepare and gradually familiarise itself to a reduction of consumption. The body can go into shock when caffeine is no longer consumed.
• Stock up on essentials: There are many essentials the body needs when fasting begins such as painkillers and dates. Painkillers can help combat side effects in the early stages of fasting as headaches commonly occur. Dates are consumed to break a fast as this was a teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH.

The month of Ramadan 2025 is packed with blessings for Muslims around the world. The reward one receives for worship is amplified, creating a stronger connection to Allah (SWT). Muslims build on their faith and strengthen their beliefs which allows them to grow as a person through Islam.

Donating to our vital causes is a great way to enhance the power of giving during the blessed month and give those in need crucial resources and supplies. From war-torn regions to impoverished communities, we provide emergency relief, empowerment and the resources to help people survive, recover and rebuild. Break the cycles of hardship during Ramadan by donating to Emaan Relief.