When is Ramadan 2025? Here's what you need to know about the Islamic holy month

Muslims around the world will begin Ramadan in the coming days, a period of profound spiritual reflection and celebration. During Ramadan, Muslims will fast during daylight hours and pray with family and friends at sunset before breaking their fast.

Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1st, in Australia. The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr. Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, stated in a statement that the first night of the holy month will begin after sunset on Friday, February 28th. The Grand Mufti's statement noted: "The method adopted by the Grand Mufti of Australia and the Australian Fatwa Council in determining the beginning of Ramadan is based on the calculated time of the new moon's birth before sunset, the duration of the moon's setting after sunset, and the possibility of sighting the new moon."

The start date of Ramadan is difficult to predict precisely and is typically confirmed the night before by observing the new moon. The Australian National Imams Council has stated that tracking the moon has become easier thanks to modern technology. Islamic authorities around the world will announce the start of Ramadan once the new moon is sighted. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar phases or lunar cycle; therefore, Ramadan advances by approximately 10 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, and Ramadan in 2025 is expected to end around March 30th, with Eid al-Fitr celebrations expected to begin around March 30th, also potentially varying by a few days. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for Muslims, commemorating the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. For 29 to 30 days, Muslims abstain from food and water every day from dawn to sunset.

At sunset, believers break their fast with a communal meal called "Iftar," often shared with family or friends. Traditionally, the fast is broken by eating dates, in emulation of the way the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast. During Ramadan, Muslims are also encouraged to perform good deeds, abstain from sinful actions, and reflect on their faith, while cultivating positive habits to maintain after the holy month ends. Fasting during Ramadan serves both spiritual and social purposes.

According to Islamic Relief Australia, Muslims believe Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago. Abstinence includes fasting, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations to achieve greater "taqwa," or consciousness of God. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. "Eid al-Fitr" marks the end of Ramadan. Based on the sighting of the new moon, it will most likely be held on the evening of Sunday, March 30th. It is a time for family and friends to gather for communal prayers, exchange gifts, and wear new clothes. Eid al-Fitr occurs during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.