Ramadan | Origin and History
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the fourth pillar of Islam, is a period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. In 2025, this sacred month is fast approaching. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or a beginner, this guide will help you prepare and experience this intense period with serenity and devotion.
Key Dates of Ramadan 2025
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, resulting in a shift of about 10 days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. Here are the important dates to remember for 2025:
- Start of Ramadan : March 1, 2025 (according to astronomical calculations in France) or February 28 (according to lunar observation in some countries)
- Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr) : Probably March 26, 2025 (27th night)
- End of Ramadan : March 29 or 30, 2025
- Aïd al-Fitr : March 30 or 31, 2025
Exact dates may vary slightly depending on the country and their methods of determination:
| Country | Method used | Probable start date |
|---|---|---|
| France/Belgium | Astronomical calculations | 1 March 2025 |
| Morocco/Algeria | Lunar observation | 28 February or 1 March 2025 |
| Saudi Arabia | Lunar observation | 1 March 2025 |
| India/Pakistan | Local committees | 2 March 2025 |
For a deeper insight into the events of the Islamic calendar, see our page on the months of the Islamic calendar.
Who Must Observe the Ramadan Fast?
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim meeting the following criteria:
- Having reached puberty (generally from 12-15 years old)
- Being of sound mind
- Being in good physical health
- Not being on a journey
Are exempt from fasting, with obligation of compensation in certain cases:
- Prepubescent children (although they can gradually begin)
- Elderly or chronically ill people
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Travelers over long distances
- People with physically demanding jobs (with later compensation)
Allah says in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185): "Allah wants ease for you; He does not want hardship for you." This surah reminds that fasting should not be an insurmountable trial.
Fundamental Rules of Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan involves complete abstinence from certain actions from sunrise to sunset:
Times to observe
- Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): To be finished before dawn (Fajr) – around 5:15 AM in Paris at the beginning of Ramadan
- Imsak: Time when abstention begins (about 10 minutes before Fajr)
- Iftar (breaking the fast): At sunset (Maghreb) – around 7:30 PM in Paris at the beginning of Ramadan
What invalidates the fast
- Deliberate eating or drinking
- Marital relations during fasting hours
- Smoking (cigarettes, shisha, etc.)
- Induced vomiting
For more detailed explanations on the rules of fasting and associated practices, consult our section on le Ramadan et ses pratiques.
Nutrition and Health During Ramadan
A balanced diet is essential to maintain energy and health during the month of Ramadan. Here are some recommendations:
Recommended meals
| Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) | Iftar (breaking the fast) |
|---|---|
| Slow-digesting foods: oatmeal, eggs, yogurt | Start with dates and water |
| Proteins: eggs, cottage cheese, nuts | Light soup (harira, chorba) |
| Fresh fruits for vitamins | Balanced main dish (proteins, vegetables, starches) |
| Avoid foods that are too salty or sweet | Limit fried foods and very sweet desserts |
Hydration
Hydration is crucial during Ramadan:
- Aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water between iftar and suhoor
- Distribute this consumption throughout the evening
- Avoid diuretic drinks (coffee, strong tea) that promote dehydration
- Favor water, natural fruit juices, and soups
To discover books on health and well-being in Islam, including during Ramadan, check out our collection Santé et médecine prophétique.
Spiritual Dimension of Ramadan
Ramadan is above all a period of spiritual intensification. Here are the recommended practices:
Quran reading
The tradition is that the entire Quran is read during the month of Ramadan. To achieve this:
- Read about one thirtieth (juz') per day
- Set aside specific times for reading (after Fajr, before Iftar)
- Participate in reading circles
Specific prayers
- Tarawih: Voluntary prayers performed after the Isha prayer during Ramadan
- Qiyam al-Layl: Night prayers, especially recommended during the last ten nights
- I'tikaf: Spiritual retreat in the mosque, mainly practiced during the last ten days
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Destiny)
This special night, described as "better than a thousand months" in the Quran, is usually sought during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night). In 2025, it will likely fall on March 26 (27th night).
To learn more about this exceptional night, visit our page dedicated to Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny.
Balancing Daily Life and Ramadan
Ramadan takes place while life goes on. Here are some tips to balance your religious and daily obligations:
Work and studies
- Inform your employer or school in advance
- Request reasonable accommodations if necessary (breaks, flexible schedules)
- Plan difficult tasks for the times when you are most alert
- Avoid intense physical efforts during the hottest hours
Social and family life
- Organize collective iftars with family and friends
- Invite non-Muslims to share an iftar to promote dialogue
- Involve children with suitable activities (calendars, decorations)
- Plan rest times to compensate for shorter nights
Specific practices in Belgium and Europe
Ramadan in Belgium and European countries has some particularities:
- Fasting duration: In 2025, fasting will last about 14 hours (from 6am to 8pm) at the start of Ramadan in Belgium
- Community events: Numerous collective iftars in major cities (Brussels, Antwerp, Liège)
- Support structures: Associations like Islamic Relief Belgium offer food packages for needy families
- Applications: Many apps adapted to the European context help track precise timings
For more information on Islamic resources in Belgium, visit our page Muslim bookstore in Europe.
After Ramadan: Continue on the Spiritual Path
The end of Ramadan should not mark the cessation of good spiritual practices. Here is how to maintain the momentum:
Immediate obligations
- Zakat al-Fitr: Obligatory alms to be given before the Eid prayer (about €7 per person in 2025)
- Celebration of Eid al-Fitr: Collective prayer, family visits, gift exchanges
Recommended practices
- Six days of fasting during Shawwal (month following Ramadan): a highly meritorious practice
- Maintaining Quran reading habits and voluntary prayers
- Continuation of regular acts of charity
Practical Tips for Ramadan 2025
To fully experience this blessed month, here are some practical tips:
Material preparation
- Shopping in advance: Stock basic foods (dates, flours, legumes)
- Preparing a meal planner: Establishing a weekly menu to limit stress
- Arranging your environment: Creating a space dedicated to prayer and Quran reading
Time management
- Adjusting your schedule: Rearranging your sleep hours to adapt to suhoor and iftar
- Preparing meals in advance: Freezing portions for evenings when you will be tired
- Setting realistic spiritual goals: Setting achievable goals for Quran reading and prayers
Activities for children
- Ramadan calendars: Creating or buying a calendar with pockets to slip in small surprises or activities
- Decorations: Involving children in decorating the house
- Progressive learning: Introducing children to fasting for a few hours or on weekends
Conclusion: Living the Spirit of Ramadan
Ramadan 2025 will be a special opportunity to renew one's faith, strengthen personal discipline, and cultivate empathy towards those in need. Beyond dietary restrictions, it is a month of spiritual purification, generosity, and sharing.
By preparing in advance and adopting a balanced approach, you can fully benefit from the blessings of this sacred month, both spiritually and physically and socially.
At Al-Imen, your reference Muslim bookstore since 1982, we wish you a Ramadan Moubarak full of blessings and serenity.
Note: The dates mentioned in this article are based on astronomical forecasts and may vary slightly depending on lunar observation in each country. Always check with local Islamic authorities for official dates.