Ramadan Start 2025 in the United Kingdom

The start of Ramadan marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. It begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, signaling a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and community. The date shifts each year due to the lunar calendar.

Ramadan Start: A Public Holiday?

The start of Ramadan is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours. However, some Islamic businesses and organizations may adjust their opening hours to align with prayer times during Ramadan.

Ramadan Start

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It is believed to be the month when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, and its exact start date shifts each year due to the lunar calendar. This holy month has been observed by Muslims for centuries, focusing on spiritual renewal and self-discipline.

Observance on the start of Ramadan in the UK

Over the years, the observance of Ramadan has become more visible in the UK, especially in cities with large Muslim communities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. While it is not a public holiday, schools, workplaces, and local authorities have better understood Ramadan's customs and significance. Many organizations offer support, recognizing the importance of fasting and prayer during this time.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called iftar, often starting with dates and water, followed by a larger meal shared with family and friends. Many people wake up early for a pre-dawn meal, known as suhoor, before the fast begins. Prayer and charity are central, with a strong emphasis on helping the needy. Mosques hold nightly Taraweeh prayers, and some businesses adjust their hours to accommodate prayer times. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and strengthening one's relationship with God. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration marking the end of fasting.

Who Observes the start of Ramadan in the UK?

With over 3.9 million Muslims in the United Kingdom, making up about 6.5% of the population, Islam is the second-largest religion after Christianity. Ramadan is widely observed by Muslim communities across the country, with London hosting the largest population, particularly in areas like Tower Hamlets and Newham. Other cities with significant Muslim communities include Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, Leicester, and Luton. During Ramadan, these communities engage in fasting, prayer, and charity, creating a vibrant atmosphere in mosques and community centers, especially during the evenings for iftar and Taraweeh prayers.

Ramadan Start Observances