February 28 - the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan among Muslims: the essence of the holiday

On the evening of February 28, Ramadan, the holy month for all Muslims, begins. This is the ninth month of the lunar Muslim calendar, when it is necessary to observe a strict fast. In 2025, the date falls on a Friday. What is the essence of the holiday, what is prescribed and forbidden to do believers in this period, tell "Izvestia".

The beginning of the holy month of Ramadan - 2025: about the holiday

Each year Ramadan begins on different dates. According to the lunar calendar, the beginning of the month marks the neomenia - the first appearance of the narrow sickle of the moon in the sky after the new moon, which will occur on the night of February 28. This month is holy because it was in Ramadan that the Koran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad when he was in spiritual solitude near Mecca.

It is a time of spiritual renewal for Muslims. Believers endure many hardships and restrictions and spend days in prayer to show their love for Allah. This holiday is one of the five pillars of Islam and is as important as pilgrimage, prayer and offering.

In some countries they say Ramadan instead of Ramadan. Both variants are widely used among Muslims. The differences are due to different pronunciation. For example, the second variant is popular among Tatars and Bashkirs.

In 2025, Ramadan will last from February 28 to March 29.

The beginning of the holy month of Ramadan - 2025: what you can and cannot do

There are a number of rules and prohibitions to be followed during Ramadan. During the day, while the sun is shining, it is forbidden to eat, smoke, indulge in pleasures and entertainment, including intimacy. And drinking water is also forbidden. It is not for nothing that the Muslim fast is considered one of the strictest among the world religions.

You can eat and drink only twice a day - before dawn and after sunset. Egg dishes, porridge, cottage cheese, lean meat and fish are eaten. Also drink enough water to make up for its lack during the day. It is not forbidden to work during Ramadan, but usually business activity is reduced during this period.

Muslim holidays in 2025: when Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, Uraza al-Adha and other important dates

For Muslims, holidays are an opportunity to catch up on reading missed prayers, repent of sins and perform good deeds

Only believers who cannot fast for health reasons can refuse to fast. The same relaxations are made for pregnant and lactating women, children, people engaged in hard physical labor, and travelers.

If a Muslim who does not fall into these categories breaks the rules, he can make amends. To do so, he must bring alms (sadaqah). Alms should be given for every day of Ramadan that is missed.

It is important to remember that during the holy month it is especially sinful to violate the basic prohibitions of religion. Islam does not accept the use of alcohol and pork, regardless of whether it is done during the day or at night.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of the Muslim holiday Baraat night.