This year, Ramadan, one of the most important and holy months for Muslims, will fall during winter. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it begins approximately 12 days earlier each year than the prior year. Based on lunar calculations, Ramadan is anticipated to begin on Friday, Feb 28, 2025 and end on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The Islamic Center of Burlington, the local mosque, has typically followed a traditional approach to determining the start and end of the month of Ramadan. The members of the mosque rely on the sighting of the crescent moon to determine the beginning of Ramadan and a similar sighting to determine the end of Ramadan.

Once Ramadan begins, the close to 2 billion Muslims in the world engage deeply in religious obligations which align closely with several of the 5 Pillars of Islam. These practices include fasting; praying the five daily obligatory prayers; praying additional evening prayers; and giving to charity.

Fasting for Muslims means not eating or drinking from dawn until dusk every day. At the end of the day, Muslims often gather with family and friends or go to the local mosque to break their fast with a meal called Iftar. Iftar usually includes dates and milk and is followed by a larger meal.

During the evening, a prayer called Taraweeh, is held at the mosque. Attending these nightly prayers allows Muslims the opportunity to have recited the entire Quran during the month.

Before Ramadan ends, Muslims are obligated to donate money to charity.

The end of the month is marked by a celebration known as Eid El Fitr. Burlington community member, Sunniya Saleem, describes Eid and the significance of Ramadan:

The 30 days of fasting are based on the lunar calendar so if we see the new crescent moon on the 29th day then Eid (the big Muslim celebration after fasting) is on the 30th day, but if we don’t see the crescent on the 29th day then it’s a 30 day long month and Eid is on the 31st day. We fast for 29 or 30 days to show solidarity to those who are less fortunate, to build self discipline and to cleanse our bodies, minds and hearts of any impurities. It is also a time to show empathy to others and to be patient. Muslims give a lot of charity during this time as well.

We are excited to have the town join in for another community iftar again in 2025. Date to be announced!

Thanks to Sunniya and to Patricia O'Brien for helping with this introduction.

Recommended Watching and Reading for Ramadan

This list will grow as community members contribute. Send recommendations to hello@burlington.buzz.

This list of children’s stories from Children’s Book World discusses and teaches about Ramadan in a variety of ways, including powerful self-reflection stories and elementary teachings surrounding Ramadan.

Where to Go In-Person and Online to Learn More About Ramadan

• There are many virtual mosque tours that you can find online from the comfort of your home, like this one of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• There is a free Qur’an Workshop through Jannah Institute, including reciting practice and memorization.

Activities for Adults and Children to Learn More About Ramadan

• National Geographic Kids has an informative page on Ramadan, with links to more resources to learn more.
• Craftionary has instructions on how to make different Ramadan decorations.
• Muslima Coaching has an extensive list of activities for families to participate in to celebrate Ramadan.

Local Ramadan Happenings

Below are just a few events happening somewhat locally to celebrate Ramadan in 2024. Let us know if you have one you’d like to add!

• March 15 - The Islamic Center of Burlington is holding a Ramadan Fundraiser from 7:30-8:30 pm.
• March 16 - The Boston Chapter of the Citizens Foundation is holding its annual Iftar, which is the breaking of the fast that usually takes place after the sun has set during Ramadan.
• Boston Uncovered has a list of upcoming Ramadan Events happening in and around the Boston area.

Reader Stories

From Patricia O’Brien and Dr. Marwa El-Sabbahy, with photos by Sunniya Saleem

On Sunday, March 17th, the 7th day of Ramadan, a Community Iftar was held at the Grandview Farm. Approximately 80 members of the Burlington Community gathered to share the iftar (breakfast in Arabic) meal, learn about fasting and the month of Ramadan, and create new community connections. Several guests brought flowers, nuts and dates to the event.

After signing a welcome board, making prayer beads, and learning to write their names in Arabic, guests were warmly welcomed to the event by Dr. Marwa El-Sabbahy. She spoke about the importance of community and fostering relationships, as well as the significance of abstaining from food and drink in order to focus on nourishment of the soul.

Dr. Karim Fikry then led a trivia game about Ramadan. Winners received a jar of dates, as dates are typically eaten first to break the fast.  The athan (call to prayer) was made, and everyone broke their fast with dates and water. Muslims prayed the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal by a local Jordanian caterer, Darna. Stories were shared, and everyone went home having met someone new and knowing a little more about the observation of Ramadan. Each guest left with a beautiful Ramadan themed cookie made by Bliss Confections.

Several members of the community told the organizers that it was their first iftar and requested an invite for the next one! The organizers hope to be able to open this up to many more members of the community next year!

How do you observe Ramadan? What resources would help your neighbors and their children and grandchildren learn more about this time of reflection? Share your stories with us by emailing hello@burlington.buzz, and your story could be added to this feature!

What are you celebrating or observing? Let us know at hello@burlington.buzz!