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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - It’s just one week away until we welcome the holy month of Ramadan! Muslims around the world are preparing to embrace this sacred time, fasting from dawn till dusk, and those in Singapore are no exception.
From March 1 to 30, 2025, Ramadan in Singapore will bring an added layer of tradition, spirituality, and goodwill to the city-state. The fasting period offers a chance to self-reflect, cleanse the soul through acts of charity, avoid negative thoughts, and foster empathy for those less fortunate.
Whether you’re Muslim or simply curious about this significant time of year, this article is here just in time for you. Drawing insights from TimeOut and HoneyCombers, let’s dive deeper into Ramadan in Singapore 2025, shall we?
Fasting in Ramadan
All adult Muslims who are healthy, both women and men, must observe fasting during Ramadan, from dawn to dusk. However, exceptions are made for children, those who are sick, the elderly, pregnant women, and breastfeeding or menstruating women.
The day begins with sahur, a pre-dawn meal where Muslims eat and drink before sunrise and the Fajr prayer. While there’s no strict guidance on what to eat, it’s ideal to consume something nutritious to sustain energy throughout the day.
During the fasting hours, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, including water, but also from other earthly pleasures. Habits that might be normal on any other day, such as smoking, intimate relations, and negative behaviors like arguing or gossiping, are also avoided during this time. It's a period of mindfulness, where controlling one's desires is central to the practice.
When the sunset here, or in Singapore is typically around 7 PM, Muslims are permitted to break their fast. While there are no specific rules about what to eat, many follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad and the Abrahamic tradition by breaking their fast with dates. This sweet fruit is rich in simpler sugar that the body easily absorbs, giving the body a rapid energy supply after a long day of fasting.
Why do Muslims fast?
The objectives of fasting go beyond simply abstaining from food and drink—it’s a profound spiritual practice. Ramadan helps promote self-discipline, allowing individuals to strengthen their connection with God. It’s also a time to cultivate empathy, as fasting allows Muslims to experience firsthand the struggles of those less fortunate. This experience, therefore, encourages a sense of gratitude, reminding how blessed each meal can bring.
Supporting Muslim friends during Ramadan
Being respectful and understanding is one of the best ways to support your Muslim friends during Ramadan. A little research can go a long way, helping you navigate the season with sensitivity.
Avoid offering food or drinks, even water, to those who are fasting. A small gesture like this shows that you respect their commitment during this sacred time.
And if you encounter a Muslim friend who isn’t fasting, it's important to remember that there may be valid reasons—such as illness, menstruation, or other personal circumstances. If they haven't shared their reasons, it's best not to bring it up, as faith is often a deeply personal matter and not meant as a regular topic for everyday conversation. Respect their privacy and try not to make judgments.
Traditions during Ramadan in Singapore
Just like in many parts of the world, Ramadan in Singapore adds an extra layer of excitement and heartwarming traditions to the atmosphere. Here are some of the most common and beloved customs that make this time of year special:
- Feasts with family and friends
Ramadan is a time to reconnect with loved ones. Many people gather for iftar, the meal to break their fast, whether at home or at one of Singapore's best Halal restaurants. It’s a wonderful way to share delicious food and create lasting memories.
- Terawih
One of the most significant practices during Ramadan is Terawih, the special night prayer that takes place after the Isha prayer. Performed either at the mosque or at home, Terawih consists of a minimum of eight units of prayer (rakaat), but many people perform 12 or even 20 units, depending on their tradition.
- Ramadan bazaars
Ramadan in Singapore 2025 wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant Ramadan bazaars. The Kampoeng Gelam Ramadan Bazaar is one of the most popular, drawing crowds with over 120 food and beverage vendors. It’s the perfect place to indulge in traditional treats, snacks, and sweets. And that's just one of many Ramadan bazaars in Singapore, each adding its own flair to the festive atmosphere.
What happens when Ramadan ends?
As March 30, 2025, approaches, Ramadan will come to a close, ushering in the joyous celebration of Eid, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, which marks the end of the sacred month and the start of the Muslim New Year.
On the morning of March 31, Muslims gather for special prayers at the mosque to begin the celebrations, dressed in their finest outfits. Throughout the day, families visit relatives, seeking forgiveness from elders and sharing in the spirit of togetherness.
The festivities also include the tradition of giving packets of money, from working adults to the young and elderly, before everyone indulges in a feast of delicious dishes.
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