The month of Ramadan is considered the holiest and most sacred month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. Muslims firmly believe that it was during this exalted month that the archangel Gabriel descended from the heavens and revealed the Message to the Prophet Muhammad.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to God by way of fasting; that is to say, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and also husband-wife intimacy from the breaking of dawn until the setting of the sun.
Ramadan dates and calendar 2025
As we approach the event, the precise dates of Ramadan will become clear. Currently, Ramadan 2025 is anticipated to commence on 01 March 2025, and conclude on 29 March 2025, aligning with Ramadan 1446 in the Islamic calendar.
The arrival of Ramadan has always been associated with a certain amount of mystique and contemplation. The exact date of the month’s beginning is traditionally determined by religious scholars/authorities under the cover of night as they seek to observe certain sightings related to the appearance and cycle of the moon.
Ramadan in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is an eastern European country in which Muslims are among the minority. However, Ramadan in North Macedonia is still considered a significant religious observance by both the government and its non-Muslim population.
Image © pinterest.com
Perhaps the uniqueness of Ramadan in North Macedonia can best be observed through the distinctive food, clothing and way of living adopted by those who are engaged in fasting during the holy month. Muslim families whip up food not typically served outside of Ramadan, such as baklava, pacha, dates, yogurt all complemented perfectly by the soft and airy somun bread. These delightful cuisines are exquisitely arranged on the sofra, the Turkish word for essentially a table prepared for dining with family and friends.
Furthermore, Muslims in the Macedonian capital of Skopje, typically visit the local mosque to recite the Qur’an and to strengthen their faith by attending religious sermons delivered by the imam.
Some rules to observe
Unlike in predominantly Muslim countries, there aren’t any particular rules or prohibitions to be observed during Ramadan in North Macedonia. Life pretty much goes on the way it always has for the majority of people in North Macedonia.
