A Ramadan of Relief
In our 40th year as a humanitarian organization, Islamic Relief is continuing its life-saving work around the world during Ramadan 2025.
We are on the front lines in over 40 countries, delivering food, water, and emergency relief to those in desperate need. Together, we helped over 3.4 million people last year and 120 million people since our founding in 1984.
This Ramadan 2025, people need your help more than ever. With a simple gift, you can make this a Ramadan without suffering.
“˹The righteous˺ give food, out of love for Him, to the poor, the orphan and the captive, ˹saying˺ we feed you, for God’s pleasure only, we desire from you neither reward nor thanks.”
– Quran 76:5-9
What is Ramadan?
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 Quran, and charity are also encouraged during the holy month.
When is Ramadan 2025?
The exact dates of Ramadan change every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the Moon. Because the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year.
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, February 28, 2025 or Saturday, March 1, 2025, and end on Saturday, March 29, 2025 or Sunday, March 30, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon. You can find up-to-date information on the Ramadan Timetable here.
How long is Ramadan
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.
Your Zakat in Trusted Hands
Your Zakat is an Amanah, and we take that trust very seriously. At Islamic Relief Canada, we follow a scholar-verified Zakat Policy to ensure your Zakat reaches as many poor and needy people as possible to transform their lives.
This ensures that Islamic principles are adhered to every step of the way from project design and community fundraising discussions to project implementation.
Your Zakat Reaches People Through:
- Cash Transfers
- Food & Nutrition
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
- Shelter & Protection
- Livelihood Support
- Education
With your support in 2023, we distributed Zakat to over 2 million people through 86 projects with Zakat-eligible portions.
This Ramadan, help us reach even more people. Donate your Zakat today and let’s show the healing power of our global community.
When does Ramadan start?
Ramadan officially begins when the month of Islamic month of Shaban ends. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, February 28, 2025 or Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Last 10 days of Ramadan
The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most blessed of the year and bring us the most blessed nights. It is believed that on one particular night of the last ten nights of Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power) will come.
In these special days, we should increase our duas, prayers, and supplementary worship in hopes of them being multiplied. These special days are a chance to benefit from the immense blessings of Ramadan and seek salvation before the month ends.
When does Ramadan end?
Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim celebration officially marks the end of Ramadan. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the Moon. This year, Ramadan is expected to end on Saturday, March 29, 2025 or Sunday, March 30, 2025.
What happens if you miss a fast during Ramadan?
If you’ve missed any fasts out of necessity and cannot 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 Kaffara if it was broken by marital relations.
Ramadan Sadaqah
The Prophet ﷺ would give charity throughout the year but increase his Sadaqa during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
Ramadan 2025:
Eid al-Fitr officially begins at the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practise self-control.
As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, February 28, 2025 or Saturday, March 1, 2025, and end on Saturday, March 29, 2025 or Sunday, March 30, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
As the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. This year, Ramadan is expected to end on Saturday, March 29, 2025 or Sunday, March 30, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 (SWT) forgives, blesses and rewards faithful Muslims without a limit.
Ramadan Kareem means Ramadan the generous month.
Therefore, it is an expression that is used to welcome the month of Ramadan by Muslims around the world.
Every day during Ramadan, Muslims begin the fast at sunrise after having a meal (Suhoor), after which the morning Fajr prayer is prayed. The fast isn't broken until sunset with the Iftar meal, which precedes the Maghrib, the fourth prayer of the day.