Ramadan 2025
This Ramadan, Islamic Relief is continuing its life-saving work around the world, making sure your donations get to those who need them most. Since 1984, Islamic Relief has been a beacon of hope for those facing crisis.
Each day we work together with you, and together with the rightsholders we support, to carve a new path – a path of resilience and safety for millions of people. In their most dire moments, we are there for people in need; we’re often the first to respond and we reach communities that others cannot.
We know the weight of our responsibilities to those we serve, to you, and ultimately to Allah (SWT).
This Ramadan, trust in Allah. Donate your zakat and sadaqah for the sake of Allah.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Healthy adult Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. Therefore this includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an and charity are also encouraged during the holy month.
Next Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday 28 February 2025, and end on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan officially begins when the Islamic month of Shaban ends, and the new moon of Ramadan is sighted. The next Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday 28 February 2025.
Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim celebration, officially marks the end of Ramadan. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the moon. Eid al-Fitr officially begins at the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Next Ramadan is expected to end on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025 depending on the sighting of the moon.
The last day of fasting for Ramadan 2025 will be Sunday 30 March, depending on the sighting of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar we use today, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar appear to shift forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines the end of the month–long period of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.
If you’ve missed any fasts out of necessity and will never be able to fast to make up the lost days afterwards, you’re required to pay fidya (fidyah). For any other missed fasts you will need to make them up. For any fasts broken deliberately without need in the Hanafi madhab you would need to make up the fast and also pay kaffarah. In the Hanbali and Shafi madhabs you would need to make up the fast and only pay kaffarah if it was broken by marital relations.
In 2025, Eid ul-Fitr is likely to take place on Monday 31 March 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
However, as with each day in the Islamic calendar, the next day begins after Maghrib prayer (just after sunset) of the same day. Therefore, Eid technically begins after the moon has been sighted (which is likely to be on 30 March), but Eid prayers and celebrations take place the following day.
Laylatul Qadr, also referred to as the Night of Power, is one of the most important and sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. With Ramadan upon us, we can find Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said: “search for the night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
The Prophet (PBUH) would give charity throughout the year but increase his sadaqah during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, and the time during which it takes place varies every year. This is because the date depends on the lunar calendar, which is roughly 10 or 11 days shorter than the commonly used Gregorian calendar.
The meaning of Kareem is generous/noble. Ramadan is a month where Allah forgives, blesses and rewards Muslims without a limit.
Ramadan Kareem means Ramadan the generous month.
Therefore, it is an expression that is used to welcome the blessed month by Muslims around the world.
Every day during the holy month, Muslims begin the fast at dawn after having a meal (Suhoor), after which the morning Fajr prayer is prayed. The fast isn’t broken until dusk with the Iftar meal, which precedes the Maghrib prayer, the fourth prayer of the day.
Here is your ultimate guide to some of the duas read by Muslims, including those specific to the month of Ramadan. See Dua book.
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Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Adnan Hafiz
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.