Ramadan Observances Highlight Fasting, Prayer, and Community Traditions
Muslims worldwide mark the sacred month with fasting from dawn to dusk, communal meals, and acts of charity, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
- Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar, began on March 2, 2025, and is expected to conclude on March 30 or 31, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
- Fasting during Ramadan, known as Roza, includes abstaining from food and drink from dawn (Sehri) to dusk (Iftar) as a spiritual practice emphasizing discipline and reflection.
- Dates and water are traditionally used to break the fast at Iftar, followed by communal meals that often include culturally specific dishes like haleem in Pakistan and pide in Turkey.
- Charity and community gatherings are central to Ramadan, with many mosques and organizations providing meals for the less fortunate during Iftar.
- The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festival marked by prayers, feasting, and community celebrations, symbolizing gratitude and the end of fasting.
The Sydney Morning Herald 
Free Press Journal 