Get Ready to Welcome Ramadan 2025, Special Practices to be Done!

Kapanlagi.com - As the arrival of Ramadan 2025 approaches, Muslims across Indonesia are beginning to prepare to welcome this holy and blessed month with various preparations both spiritually and physically. One of the questions that often arises is, "When exactly does fasting start and how is it determined?" The answer to this question is very important for maintaining uniformity in worship throughout the country.

The determination of the beginning of Ramadan is in the spotlight because it involves different calculation methods between various Islamic organizations and the government. On one side, Muhammadiyah prefers the calculation method, while on the other side, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) relies on rukyat or direct observation of the new moon. Both methods have strong foundations and often result in the same date.

This article will thoroughly discuss the Ramadan fasting schedule for 2025, the methods of its determination, and various recommended practices leading up to this holy month. With a deeper understanding, it is hoped that Muslims can optimally prepare themselves to welcome a meaningful Ramadan. Let us welcome this blessed month with pure hearts and burning spirits, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Monday (6/1/2025).

1. Kemenag Schedule

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Hijri calendar estimates that the start of Ramadan 2025 will begin on March 1. Meanwhile, the joyous moment of Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 31 or April 1.

However, all of this is still provisional and will be confirmed through the isbat session to be held towards the end of the month of Sha'ban, where experts will observe the hilal in various locations.

If the hilal is visible, the fasting date will proceed as planned, but if not, the determination of fasting could be postponed by a day. Nevertheless, this information provides an early overview for Muslims to prepare.

The tradition of welcoming Ramadan is also starting to gain momentum, with sunnah practices such as qadha fasting, increasing prayers, and enhancing other worship activities becoming the main focus.

2. Differences in Methods for Determining the Start of Ramadan, Hisab vs Rukyat

In Indonesia, the determination of the start of Ramadan involves two interesting approaches: hisab and rukyat.

Muhammadiyah chooses the hisab method, which is based on astronomical calculations of the moon's position without the need to see it directly, making it a practical and accurate way to predict the start of the Hijri month.

"By understanding the movements of the moon and the sun through calculations, we can determine accurately and precisely," said Oman Fathurrahman, Muhammadiyah's Astronomy Expert.

Meanwhile, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the government prioritize the rukyat method, which requires direct observation of the hilal, either with the naked eye or a telescope, at various observation locations.

NU emphasizes that rukyat has a strong basis in the Qur'an and hadith, encouraging the community to observe the moon.

3. Preparation to Welcome Ramadan, Practices in the Month of Sha'ban

The month of Sha'ban, which serves as a bridge to Ramadan, is a time full of meaning to prepare oneself spiritually.

In this month, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers, perform voluntary fasting, and enhance the quality of their worship to be more ready to welcome the awaited holy month.

One of the prayers that is often recited means, "O Allah, bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha'ban, and bring us to the month of Ramadan."

Not only that, for those who have missed fasts, making up for the missed fasts is also highly recommended, while the voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as the fast of ayyamul bidh (the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Hijri month), can serve as perfect practice before entering this blessed month.

4. Eid Traditions and Family Visits After Ramadan

After a full month of self-restraint, Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a day full of meaning as a symbol of victory. The moment of returning home or going back to one's village becomes a highly anticipated agenda, a time when extended families gather to strengthen ties of kinship.

Eid is not just a celebration, but also a time for mutual forgiveness, signifying a return to one's true nature. Not to forget, the obligation to pay zakat fitrah becomes an important part of completing Ramadan worship.

In this atmosphere of joy, tables are adorned with special dishes and lively family events, yet the true essence lies in strengthening relationships among one another and spiritual reflection after undergoing the holy month.

5. 1. How to Determine the Beginning of Ramadan 2025?

The determination of the beginning of Ramadan this time is in the spotlight, where the isbat session combines two interesting methods: calculation (hisab) and observation (rukyat). While Muhammadiyah chooses the calculation approach to determine the exact time, the government relies more on observation as a way to ensure the accuracy of determining this holy month. The combination of these two methods creates a unique dynamic in celebrating the beginning of Ramadan, blending tradition and science.

6. 2. Why Can the Determination of the Beginning of Fasting Be Different?

Differences in the determination of time can arise due to variations in the calculation (hisab) and observation (rukyat) methods used. Nevertheless, the final results often come together in agreement after going through the confirming isbat session, creating harmony amidst diversity.

7. 3. What Are the Practices to Welcome Ramadan?

In this blessed month of Sha'ban, let us enhance our acts of worship by increasing our prayers, delving into the beauty of the Qur'an, completing any pending qadha fasts, and performing sunnah prayers. Every small step we take will become a light that illuminates the path towards blessings and forgiveness.

8. 4. When is the Confirmation Meeting for Ramadan Fasting 2025?

The confirmation meeting, which is an important moment in determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan, is usually held on the last night of the month of Sha'ban. This year, we will witness the event expected to take place on a special night, namely February 29, 2025, adding uniqueness and special atmosphere as we approach the awaited holy month.

(kpl/rao)