As the crescent moon prepares to make its appearance, Muslims around the world are gearing up for the start of Ramadhan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
This year, the sacred month is expected to commence on March 1, 2025, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
If confirmed, this would mark a rare celestial event, as the first day of Ramadhan coinciding with March 1 occurs only once every 33 years.
The Moon Sighting and the Start of Ramadhan
The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, meaning that the start of Ramadhan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon.
This often leads to slight variations in the exact date of commencement, as different regions rely on local moon sightings or astronomical calculations.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar system, the Islamic calendar consists of 354 or 355 days, causing Islamic events to shift approximately 10 days earlier each year.
Fasting: A Pillar of Islam
Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith (Shahada), performing the five daily prayers (Salah), giving charity (Zakah), and undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.
Observing the fast from dawn to dusk is a fundamental obligation for all adult Muslims, with exemptions for:
- Children below the age of puberty
- The elderly
- Individuals with health conditions that may be worsened by fasting
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Women during menstruation
- Travelers undertaking long journeys
Throughout the fasting hours, Muslims abstain from food, drinks, smoking, and marital relations.
The daily fast is broken at sunset with the Iftar meal, traditionally beginning with dates and water, followed by a full meal.
The pre-dawn meal, known as Suhoor, helps sustain those fasting throughout the day.
A Time for Spiritual Reflection and Increased Worship
Ramadhan is regarded as the month of the Quran, as it is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during this time as “a guidance for humanity and a means of salvation.”
It is a period of intense devotion, prayer, and self-reflection, with Muslims encouraged to engage in additional worship, including:
- Taraweeh Prayers – Special night prayers performed in congregation at mosques.
- Recitation of the Quran – Many strive to complete the entire Quran during the month.
- Charitable Acts – Increased giving to the less fortunate, a practice highly emphasized in Islam.
Ramadhan Preparations in Mombasa and Around the World
In the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, mosques have already begun special religious classes known as Darsa to spiritually prepare worshippers for the fasting period.
The city is known for its unique Ramadhan traditions, including open-air Iftar buffets that transform entire streets into communal dining areas where locals and visitors alike break their fast together.
Similar preparations are underway in Muslim-majority countries and communities around the world.
In Saudi Arabia, the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina anticipate an influx of worshippers for Umrah (the minor pilgrimage), while in Turkey, Egypt, and Indonesia, markets are bustling with vendors selling dates, sweets, and special foods associated with the holy month.
Looking Ahead: The Spiritual Journey of Ramadhan
With Ramadhan set to begin, Muslims worldwide are preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal. It is a time to strengthen one’s faith, seek forgiveness, and extend kindness to others.
As believers set their eyes on the sky for the crescent moon’s sighting, they also set their hearts on a deeper connection with their Creator, making Ramadhan a truly transformative experience.
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