Ramadan is a special month for Muslims. It is a time for fasting, praying, and thinking about God. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. They also pray more and try to be kind to others. In this guide, we will talk about Ramadan dates, prayer times, and powerful duas (prayers) you can say during Ramadan.

Ramadan Dates

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This calendar follows the moon, so the dates change every year. In 2025, Ramadan will start on Friday, February 28, and end on Saturday, March 29. The day after Ramadan ends is called Eid al-Fitr. This is a big celebration where Muslims pray, eat special food, and spend time with family.

Some people wait to see the moon to know when Ramadan starts. Others use calculations. Both ways are okay, and it depends on what your family or community does.

Fasting During Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This means they do not eat or drink anything during the day. Before sunrise, they eat a meal called suhoor. After sunset, they eat a meal called iftar. Iftar is often shared with family and friends.

Fasting is not about not eating. It is also about being kind, helping others, and praying more. Muslims also try to read the Quran (the holy book of Islam) during Ramadan.

Prayer Times

Prayer is very important during Ramadan. Muslims pray five times a day, but during Ramadan, they also pray extra prayers at night. These are called Taraweeh prayers. Prayer times change depending on where you live. You can check the times on a Ramadan calendar or an app.

Why Duas Are Important

A dua is a special prayer you say to ask God for help or to thank Him. During Ramadan, duas are very powerful. The best times to say duas are:

• Before breaking your fast (iftar).

• During the night.

• In the last third of the night.

Saying duas helps you feel closer to God. Below are some powerful duas you can say during Ramadan.

Dua for Fasting

Before you start fasting, you can say this dua:

Arabic: وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ

Translation: “I plan to fast tomorrow for Ramadan.”

This dua helps you focus on why you are fasting. It reminds you that fasting is for God.

Dua for Breaking Fast

When you break your fast at iftar, you can say this dua:

Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Translation: “O God, I fasted for You, and with Your food, I break my fast.”

This dua thanks God for giving you the strength to fast.

Duas for the Three Ashras of Ramadan

Ramadan is divided into three parts, called Ashras. Each Ashra has a special focus and dua.

First Ashra (Days 1-10): Mercy

The first 10 days of Ramadan are about asking for God’s mercy. You can say this dua:

Arabic: رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

Transliteration: Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur rahimeen.

Translation: “O Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me. You are the best of those who show mercy.”

Second Ashra (Days 11-20): Forgiveness

The next 10 days are about asking for God’s forgiveness. You can say this dua:

Arabic: أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Transliteration: Astaghfirullah rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh.

Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for all my sins, and I repent to Him.”

Third Ashra (Days 21-30): Protection from Hellfire

The last 10 days are about asking God to save you from Hellfire. You can say this dua:

Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ

Transliteration: Allahumma ajirni minan naar.

Translation: “O Allah, save me from the Hellfire.”

Other Duas for Ramadan

Here are some other duas you can say during Ramadan:

• Dua for Ramadan: Arabic:

• اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَمَضَانَ

Translation: “O God, bless us in Ramadan.”

Dua for the Month of Ramadan: Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صِيَامِي فِيهِ صِيَامَ الصَّائِمِينَ، وَقِيَامِي فِيهِ قِيَامَ الْقَائِمِينَ

Translation: “O God, make my fasting like the fasting of those who fast, and my prayers like the prayers of those who pray.”

Tips for Ramadan

• Be kind: Ramadan is a time to help others and be patient.

• Pray more: Try to pray extra prayers, especially at night.

• Say duas: Ask God for help and thank Him for His blessings.

• Read the Quran: Try to read a little bit of the Quran every day.

Accommodations for Students and Workers

If you are a student or worker, you may need some help during Ramadan. Here are some tips:

• Talk to your teachers or boss before Ramadan starts.

• Ask for extra time for tests or projects.

• Take breaks for prayer or rest.

• Try to schedule hard tasks for when you have more energy, like after iftar.

On Eid al-Fitr (March 30, 2025), you may need time off to celebrate. Let your teachers or boss know ahead of time.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a special time for Muslims. It is a time to fast, pray, and be kind to others. By knowing the dates, prayer times, and powerful duas, you can make the most of this blessed month. Start preparing now, and share this guide with others. Ramadan Mubarak!