The quiet pre-dawn, a soft light highlighting dates and water, starts a standard day in Ramadan 2025, a month of deep spiritual renewal for Muslims globally.  

A period of fasting, prayer, and charity, Ramadan is highly significant because it commemorates the Quran's revelation. More than just physical abstinence, it is a path of self-reflection and strengthening one's connection with the Almighty. 

The Sandy Times will walk you through a typical day during Ramadan 2025, examining the rituals and spiritual practices that define this holy month.

Enjoy the soft glow of kitchen lights as families gather, sharing warm conversation and nourishing food. Before the night fades into the morning, Muslims start to wake up. This is Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, a vital start to a day of fasting in Ramadan. This isn't just any meal but a strategic choice to fuel the body for the day ahead. 

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised, "Take meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking meal at that time." This blessed meal sets the stage for a day of devotion.

The timing of Suhoor is tied to the local Fajr (dawn) prayer, which varies by location. In the UAE and across the globe, Suhoor carries a profound spiritual weight. It is a moment of intentional eating, a deliberate act of devotion. 

An interesting question arises here. What graces the Suhoor table? Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, like hearty oats, wholesome millets, whole wheat bread, and brown rice, are favoured. These foods release energy slowly, preventing the dreaded mid-day energy crash. Dates, a traditional staple, provide a quick burst of natural sweetness and essential nutrients.

Hydration is also key, with water and hydrating fruits ensuring the body is prepared for the long hours ahead.

Eating Suhoor is often accompanied by prayers and the recitation of the Quran, strengthening the connection with the creator before the day begins.

As the first light of Fajr paints the sky, it is essential to complete your meal before this time, as eating and drinking are not permitted after. The day of fasting begins, a central pillar of Ramadan. From this moment until sunset, Muslims set out on a physical and spiritual discipline journey, abstaining from food and drink, even water.

Daily routines inevitably shift during Ramadan. In regions where Islam is central, schools often adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility to accommodate religious practices. For example, private sector working hours are adjusted in the UAE, typically from 9 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays.

People usually attend to their work and daily responsibilities as the day progresses. They can take short rests if needed. In the afternoon, perform the Zohar prayer (afternoon prayer) at approximately 2 pm, followed by the Asar prayer (late afternoon prayer) at around 4:30 pm. These prayer times may vary depending on your location.

Prayers, Quranic recitation, and acts of charity take on heightened significance. Patience and mindfulness are paramount, as the fast encourages a focus on inner peace and empathy for those less fortunate.

While physical activity is still possible during the day, lighter exercise and short naps are advised to conserve energy.

When the sun dips below the horizon, and the call to Maghrib prayer echoes through the air, anticipation fills the atmosphere. This is Iftar, the blessed moment when Muslims break their fast, marking the end of a day of devotion. Iftar is a celebration meal and a communal gathering embodying the spirit of Ramadan.

The timing of Iftar is paramount, adhering strictly to the setting sun and the Maghrib prayer. Breaking the fast promptly is a sunnah, a practice followed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the Ramadan 2025 calendar and across the globe, local prayer times guide this significant moment, ensuring unity within the community.

The Iftar table is a feast for the senses, blending tradition and nourishment. Dates, a staple of the Prophet's diet, are traditionally the first food consumed, offering a quick burst of energy. Water, essential for rehydration, follows closely.

In the UAE, traditional Iftar foods often include flavourful dishes like fattoush, harees, and lamb ouzi. Soups and various fruits are also a part of the table, offering a balance of nutrients after fasting. Popular drinks like Laban and Vimto are also enjoyed.

Community Iftars are a cherished tradition that promotes togetherness. Mosques like the Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai host these gatherings, inviting people to break their fast together. Ramadan tents and Majlises in the UAE create welcoming spaces for families and friends, while restaurants and hotels offer special Iftar buffets, enhancing the community spirit.

Beyond the communal gatherings, Iftar also serves as an opportunity for charitable acts. Giving the gift of Iftar to those in need is a profound expression of compassion and generosity, embodying the spirit of Ramadan.

As the Iftar concludes, the spiritual journey of Ramadan continues with the Maghrib prayer. This prayer, performed swiftly after sunset, marks the immediate breaking of the fast, a moment of gratitude and reflection marking the transition from a day of fasting to an evening of worship.

Following Maghrib, after a brief period of rest and nourishment, comes the Isha prayer, the final obligatory prayer of the day. But Ramadan nights are not complete without the blessed Taraweeh prayers. These special nightly prayers, performed after Isha, are a hallmark of the holy month.

Taraweeh is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), where Muslims spend extended time reciting the Quran. Mosques become spirited community centres during Taraweeh, as Muslims gather to perform these prayers in a congregation led by an Imam. The atmosphere is serene as the melodious recitation of the Quran fills the air, strengthening community bonds and fostering unity.

After the Taraweeh prayers end, the night of Ramadan enters its final phase. In the UAE and Muslim world, late nights are often dedicated to deepening spiritual connection. Many engage in Tahajjud prayers to seek the blessings of Laylatul Qadr. Furthermore, Qiyam al-Layl provides personal time to remember Allah. 

Cultural events, like the Hatta Ramadan Nights Festival and the Ramadan night markets, provide community engagement and cultural enrichment opportunities, blending tradition with contemporary activities. However, balancing these activities with rest is crucial, as sleep deprivation can impact daily life.

Remember, Suhoor can be eaten until the first light of dawn. To keep a healthy sleep routine, try to get at least four hours of rest after Iftar, followed by additional sleep after Suhoor and Fajr.

Before sleep, take time for spiritual reflection. Read the Quran and offer sincere prayers. This quiet contemplation deepens your connection with Allah and enhances the spiritual essence of Ramadan. As night fades, prepare for Suhoor and the next day of fasting, continuing the blessed cycle of Ramadan. Setting an alarm and preparing food in advance ensures a smooth and timely pre-dawn meal.