As we step into the month of Ramadan, we wanted to share some information about Ramadan. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday February 28, 2025, and will end on the evening of Sunday March 30, 2025, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of the moon. Ramadan is a month of fasting, reflection, and connection observed by people around the world.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Our Muslim friends will be fasting, praying, studying the Quran, spending time with family and friends, doing service, and much more.
A Typical Day:
This year, fasting will be from ~ 5-5:40 am until ~7:00 pm. Learn more about the Brookline times here.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Fasting is defined as no food, drink, or sexual relations from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun.
- Ramadan will be approximately February 28- March 30 in 2025.
- For those in Brookline, MA, fasting times will generally be:
- Suhoor (pre-dawn meal): around 5:30 AM
- Iftar (breaking the fast): around 6:50 PM, gradually getting later throughout the month.
- Some may start fasting earlier and breakfast later depending on their location in the world.
- Fasting Muslims break their fast (iftar) at sunset (maghrib prayer time)
- Each individual experiences Ramadan differently.
- If you’re planning gatherings, being mindful that events leading into the evening, particularly around sunset, may result in a few attendees departing a bit early.
- Some people are excused from fasting temporarily or permanently.
- Asking someone if they are fasting can be uncomfortable for various reasons.
How can we be supportive of our fasting colleagues and students?
- Be mindful during meetings and events: If food is involved, don’t worry—you don’t need to hide your lunch! But a little awareness goes a long way.
- If you’re planning gatherings, consider inclusive timing: Evening events that start after sunset allow more folks to fully participate.
- A simple “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan) is always welcome! “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are common greetings exchanged over the month, wishing the recipient a blessed and generous month, respectively.
Remember that different people will be observing Ramadan in various ways.
For those observing, we see and appreciate your dedication during this month. And for those who are curious to learn more, this is a wonderful time to ask respectful questions, do some research, share in the spirit of generosity, or even join a community iftar! Here is information on the Cambridge Community Iftar for 2025.
(Credit to Patrick Goulart Soares for originally sharing all of this content)