In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28th, with the first day of fasting on Saturday, March 1st. The month-long observance is anticipated to conclude on Sunday, March 30th, followed by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on Monday, March 31st.

Please note that the exact dates of Ramadan can vary based on the sighting of the new moon, and local religious authorities may announce adjustments accordingly.

Eid al-Fitr 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 30th, and will be celebrated on Monday, March 31st, marking the end of Ramadan.

The exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the new moon in different locations, so it's always good to confirm with your local Islamic authority.

Yes, many Muslims choose to give their Zakat (obligatory charity) during Ramadan. This is because the rewards for good deeds during this holy month are multiplied. It's an excellent time to fulfill your Zakat obligation and support those in need.

Yes, Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is highly encouraged during Ramadan. Any act of charity, whether small or large, is a means to earn great rewards in this blessed month. Many Muslims choose to give Sadaqah during Ramadan, as the rewards for good deeds are multiplied during this time.

Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charitable giving that must be paid by every Muslim at the end of Ramadan, before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It purifies the fast and provides for those in need, ensuring they can also enjoy the celebrations of Eid. It is often a small amount of food or its equivalent in cash, intended to help those who are less fortunate.

Zakat al-Mal is the obligatory annual charity given on your wealth. It applies to savings, investments, income, and certain assets, calculated at 2.5% of your total qualifying wealth.

Zakat al-Fitr, on the other hand, is a smaller obligatory charity given at the end of Ramadan, intended to purify the fasting person and provide for those in need during Eid. It is not based on wealth but on the ability of each Muslim to give.

Both are essential parts of Islamic practice, with Zakat al-Mal addressing wealth and Zakat al-Fitr focusing on helping the less fortunate at Eid.

Fidyah is a form of compensation for those who are unable to fast during Ramadan due to illness, old age, or other valid reasons, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding. Instead of fasting, a person pays Fidyah by providing food or its equivalent value to those in need. This allows them to fulfill their religious duty when they are physically unable to fast.

In the USA, the amount of Fidyah is typically calculated as the cost of providing two meals for a person per day of missed fasting. The exact amount can vary depending on local food prices, but it is often around $10-$15 per day of fasting missed. It's important to consult local Islamic organizations or scholars to determine the accurate amount for your area.

Paying Fidyah helps the person fulfill their obligation while ensuring those in need receive support during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Kaffarah is a form of compensation required for intentionally breaking a fast during Ramadan without a valid excuse (such as illness or travel). This includes actions like eating, drinking, or engaging in intimate relations during the daylight hours of fasting.

To atone for the broken fast, a person must either:
1. Fast for 60 consecutive days, or
2. Feed 60 needy people two meals each.

If someone is unable to do either of these, they can pay Kaffarah by providing the equivalent value of the meals or fasting to those in need. The purpose of Kaffarah is to restore balance and show repentance for intentionally breaking the fast.

Fidyah and Kaffarah are both forms of compensation in Islam that can be given to those who are unable to fast during Ramadan or who break their fast unintentionally or out of necessity. Here is a breakdown of both, including who should receive them and relevant religious sources:

1. Fidyah (Compensation for missed fasting due to illness or incapacity):
Who receives Fidyah?
Fidyah is given to the poor and needy, and the amount is generally equivalent to the cost of feeding one person two meals a day for each day missed during Ramadan.
Islamic source:
Fidyah is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:184): "But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship, and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful."
Additionally, Hadiths mention that Fidyah is for those who cannot fast due to chronic illness or old age.

2. Kaffarah (Compensation for breaking the fast intentionally or unintentionally):
Who receives Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is usually given to the poor as well. It is required when a fast is broken deliberately, such as by eating or drinking intentionally, and a penalty is due. The Kaffarah for breaking a fast is typically fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people two meals each.
Islamic source:
The obligation of Kaffarah is mentioned in the Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "If anyone eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah" (Sahih Bukhari). However, if the fast is broken deliberately (for reasons like eating or sexual relations), the penalty of Kaffarah applies.

In both cases, the compensation goes to the needy, and it reflects the spirit of charity and caring for those less fortunate in the community.

Reward from Allah:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever gives Iftar to a fasting person will have a reward like that of the person who fasted, without reducing the reward of the fasting person" (Tirmidhi, Hadith 807). This highlights that offering Iftar to someone who is fasting brings the giver the same reward as the person who fasts, making it an act of immense merit.

Increased Barakah (Blessing):
Allah says in the Qur'an, "The example of those who spend their wealth for the sake of Allah is like a seed of grain that grows seven ears, and in each ear are a hundred grains" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261). Giving Iftar as a charitable act increases blessings (barakah) in one’s wealth and life, manifesting as peace, joy, and provision.

Enhances Compassion and Community:
Allah says in the Qur'an, "The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:10). Sharing Iftar strengthens the bond of brotherhood and community, encourages empathy, and reinforces the sense of unity, particularly during Ramadan.

Spiritual Growth:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, "Allah does not look at your bodies or your forms, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds" (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564). Acts of charity, like giving Iftar, purify the heart, promote spiritual growth, and nurture generosity and selflessness.

Increased Acts of Charity:
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged generosity, saying, "The best of deeds are those that are continuous, even if they are small" (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6465). By offering Iftar, individuals participate in a continuous charitable act, providing sustenance to those who need it.

Forgiveness and Mercy:
During Ramadan, the gates of mercy are wide open. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 38). The act of giving Iftar also helps the giver earn forgiveness, divine mercy, and a greater chance to enter Paradise.

Sadaqah is considered a voluntary act of charity. From a kind word or warm smile to a monetary gift, any good deed that can help others can count as Sadaqah. Sadaqah stems from the Arabic root word ‘sidq’, which means sincerity.

Eid al-Fitr is a three-day feast that takes place at the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast and marks the first time Muslims can eat during daylight hours after fasting during Ramadan. The translation of "Eid al-Fitr" means "festival of breaking the fast."