- Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, as declared by the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West
- Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, marking the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- TheRadar has compiled basic understandings about Ramadan that you need to know
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam, observed by billions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
The League of Imams and Alfas in the South West had declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, March 1.
Although the Sultan of Sokoto, widely recognised as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, has often been the one to declare the beginning of the holy month, he has yet to make any official announcement regarding the Ramadan start date.
But what exactly is Ramadan, and why is it so significant?
Whether you're a Muslim deepening your understanding or a non-Muslim curious about the traditions, this guide will walk you through the basics of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is regarded as the holiest month for Muslims.
It commemorates the time when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibril (Gabriel).
This month is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased worship, and acts of charity.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun, the Islamic calendar follows the moon. This means that Ramadan shifts by approximately 10-12 days each year, depending on moon sighting, making it occur in different seasons over time.
Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan, known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core beliefs that shape a Muslim’s faith and actions.
The purpose of fasting is:
- Spiritual purification: It helps believers strengthen their relationship with Allah through self-discipline and devotion.
- Self-control and gratitude: Experiencing hunger and thirst fosters empathy for those less fortunate.
- Forgiveness and renewal: It is a time to seek forgiveness, let go of grudges, and start anew.
- Increased rewards: Muslims believe that good deeds performed during Ramadan bring multiplied rewards.
Who is required to fast?
Fasting is an obligation for all adult, healthy Muslims. However, Islam provides flexibility and exemption:
- Children: Typically, fasting becomes obligatory at puberty.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: They may choose not to fast and make up the fasts later or feed the needy as compensation.
- Elderly individuals: If fasting harms their health, they can give charity instead.
- People with chronic illnesses or severe medical conditions.
- People experiencing intense hunger and thirst.
- Travellers: If the journey is physically demanding, they can fast later.
- Menstruating women: They must skip fasting and make up for missed days after Ramadan.
How long do Muslims fast daily?
Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib). The exact hours vary depending on geographical location and season.
- Before dawn, Muslims eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to sustain them throughout the day.
- At sunset, they break their fast with Iftar; it's best to start with dates and water, followed by a full meal.
In some regions, fasting can last between 11 to 20 hours, especially in places with extreme daylight variations like Norway and Canada.
Key practices during Ramadan
1. Increased worship and prayer
Muslims engage in extra prayers, including Taraweeh, which are special night prayers performed in mosques/congregations. Some strive to complete reciting the entire Qur’an within the month.
2. Charity and good deeds
Ramadan is a time of generosity. Muslims give Zakat (compulsory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to help the less privileged.
3. Seeking Laylatul Qadr (The night of power)
One of the last ten nights of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr, which is considered the holiest night of the year. It's a belief that prayers on this night carry the rewards of 1,000 months of worship.
The end of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr
The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), a day of celebration, gratitude, and feasting. Muslims attend special Eid prayers, wear their best clothes, exchange gifts, and visit loved ones.
Before the Eid prayer, Muslims must give Zakat al-Fitr, a special charity to ensure that even the less fortunate can partake in the celebration.
Common Ramadan greetings
If you want to greet someone observing Ramadan, you can say:
- "Ramadan Mubarak": “Blessed Ramadan”
- "Ramadan Kareem": “Generous Ramadan”
For Eid, you can say:
- "Eid Mubarak": “Blessed Eid”
Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a month of deep spiritual renewal, community, and self-improvement.
Whether you are observing the fast or you simply want to learn about it, understanding the significance of Ramadan can help foster respect and inclusivity.
Yoruba Imams clarify Ramadan fast declaration, say no rift with Sultan
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland clarified that its decision to announce the commencement of the Ramadan fast was not an attempt to challenge the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
According to a communiqué released by the league, scientific calculations based on precise lunar observations determined that the astronomical new moon (conjunction) would occur at 12:45 a.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Friday, February 28, 2025.