Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and other specific activities. The fast is broken daily with a meal known as “Iftar.” The pre-dawn meal before the fast begins is called “Suhoor.” The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday signifying the end of fasting and a time for communal prayers and feasting.
In New Zealand, the Muslim community observes Ramadan with various activities, including nightly prayers at mosques, community Iftar gatherings, and charitable events to support those in need. The exact practices and events may vary across different communities and regions within the country.
Please note that the start and end dates of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the moon, and while these dates are widely anticipated, they may vary slightly based on local lunar observations
What day is Ramadan 2025 in NZ?
New Zealand’s Ramadan Crescent Moon Sighting Committee has confirmed that Ramadan 2025 will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the new crescent moon.
The beginning of Ramadan 2025
Ramadan 2025 begins this evening, Friday, February 28, 2025, at sunset. The holy month will last for 29 or 30 days, ending on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims around the world are preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
Key points about Ramadan 2025
- Duration: February 28 (evening) to March 30, 2025.
- First day of fasting: March 1, 2025.
- Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan): Expected to begin on the evening of March 30 or 31, 2025, depending on the moon sighting.
During Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. It is a time for increased devotion, charity, and community bonding.
How many hours of fasting in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, the duration of daily fasting during Ramadan 2025 varies by city due to differences in geographical location and daylight hours.
For example, in Auckland, the fasting duration starts at approximately 14 hours and 40 minutes on the first day of Ramadan, with Fajr (dawn) at 5:24 AM and Maghrib (sunset) at 8:04 PM.
In Wellington, the fasting duration begins at around 14 hours and 30 minutes, with Fajr at 5:24 AM and Maghrib at 7:54 PM.
As Ramadan progresses, the fasting duration gradually decreases.
By the end of the month, in Auckland, the fasting duration is approximately 13 hours and 17 minutes, with Fajr at 6:01 AM and Maghrib at 7:18 PM.
In Wellington, the fasting duration decreases to about 13 hours and 10 minutes, with Fajr at 6:01 AM and Maghrib at 7:11 PM.
These variations are due to the different latitudes and daylight hours in each city.
For precise daily prayer and fasting times, it’s recommended to consult local Islamic centers or reliable online resources specific to your city.
What age is Ramadan for?
Children are not obliged to fast until they are about 11 or 12 years old. From an early age, however, they join the celebratory meals in the evenings, and they watch adults around them fasting through the day.
Muslims in New Zealand
Islam is the third-largest religion in New Zealand, comprising approximately 1.5% of the population, according to the 2023 census.
Historical Background
Muslim presence in New Zealand dates back to the early 20th century, with small numbers of Muslim immigrants from South Asia and Eastern Europe settling in the country from the early 1900s until the 1960s. Large-scale Muslim immigration began in the 1970s with the arrival of Indian Fijians, followed in the 1990s by refugees from various war-torn countries.
Demographics
The Muslim community in New Zealand is diverse, with significant populations from the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The majority are Sunni Muslims, with notable Shia and Ahmadiyya minorities. There is also a growing number of Māori Muslims, reflecting the country’s multicultural landscape.
Community and Institutions
New Zealand’s Muslim community is active and engaged, with numerous mosques, Islamic centers, and schools across the country. The first Islamic center opened in 1959, and today, there are several mosques and two Islamic schools. The community celebrates Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and engages in charitable activities and interfaith dialogues.
Did Saudi Arabia announce Ramadan 2025?
In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court officially announced that Saturday, March 1, will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.
