Ramadan 2025: What you need to know

Muslims around the world will begin observing Ramadan 2025 in early March, with the exact start date depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

In New Zealand, the holy month is expected to begin at the start of March, with confirmation likely on Saturday evening by the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand. Ramadan will last 29 or 30 days, ending around March 30, followed by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar, which is based on the moon’s phases. Because a lunar year is about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the start of Ramadan shifts earlier each year. The official date is confirmed only after the crescent moon is sighted.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, marking the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, meaning they do not eat, drink, or engage in certain activities during daylight hours. The daily fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, often beginning with dates, as was the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core beliefs and practices of the faith. It is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and charity.

Eid al-Fitr, meaning the “festival of breaking the fast,” is expected to fall on March 30, 2025, depending on moon sighting. It is a joyous occasion where families gather, pray together, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. It marks the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.