When does Ramadan start in 2025 and 2026?
Ramadan 2025 began on the evening of 28 February 2025 and ended on 29 March 2025 with Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around 17 February 2026. The exact date is confirmed by moon sighting, so it can vary by one day depending on location and the madhab followed.
What are the rules of fasting in Ramadan?
From Fajr (dawn) to Maghrib (sunset), Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking (including water), smoking, and sexual relations. The intention (niyyah) to fast must be made each night or at the beginning of each day. Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) is recommended but not obligatory. Fasting begins at the time of Fajr and breaks at Maghrib with Iftar.
Who is exempt from fasting in Ramadan?
The following are exempt from fasting: children who have not reached puberty, the elderly who cannot bear the hardship, the sick whose condition would worsen, pregnant or breastfeeding women if fasting poses a risk, travellers on a journey, and women during menstruation. Those who miss fasts for temporary reasons must make them up (qada) later.
What is Laylat al-Qadr?
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) is the holiest night of the year, occurring in the last 10 nights of Ramadan β most likely on one of the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th). The Quran was first revealed on this night. Worship on Laylat al-Qadr is better than a thousand months (83+ years) of worship (Quran 97:3). Muslims increase prayer, dhikr, and recitation of the Quran during these nights.
What is tarawih prayer and how many rakats is it?
Tarawih is a special voluntary prayer performed each night during Ramadan, after Isha prayer. It is a strong Sunnah. The number of rakats varies: 8 rakats is the position of some scholars (based on the Prophet's practice), while 20 rakats is the position of the majority of scholars and the standard in most mosques. Both are valid based on different scholarly opinions.
What is Zakat al-Fitr and when is it paid?
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) is a mandatory charity paid before Eid al-Fitr prayer. Every Muslim who has food in excess of their daily needs must pay it on behalf of themselves and their dependants. It purifies the fast from any shortcomings. The amount is approximately 2.5β3 kg of a staple food (or its monetary equivalent). It must be paid before the Eid prayer.