Ramzan 2025 coincides with start of summer after 33 years

Hyderabad: Ramzan 2025, likely to begin on March 2 depending on the sighting of the crescent, coincides with the start of the summer after a gap of 33 years. The last time Ramzan began with the start of the summer in Telugu states was in 1992.
Since the Muslim calendar is based on the movement of the moon, it falls short of 11 days every year in relation to the solar calendar. The lunar and solar calendar cycles coincide every 33 years. Thus, Ramzan 2025 will also be the last Muslim month of fasting falling during summer. It will coincide with the summer only after 22 years, in 2047.
The next year's Ramzan (2026) will fall in the winter and will be entirely in winter season for the next 11 years. With the IMD forecasting above normal temperature in Hyderabad and other parts of Telugu states this season, those fasting will have to endure hot weather coupled with longer fasting hours.
Ramzan 2025 may begin on March 2 with a fasting duration of 13 hours and 17 minutes and conclude on March 30 with a fasting duration of 13 hours and 45 minutes. As Ramzan 2025 progresses with the summer, the fasting duration will get longer by each passing day, with the last day of fasting extending by 28 minutes as compared to the fast day of fasting.
This year too there may not be a consensus on a universal Ramzan and its culmination – Eid-ul-Fitr with the Muslim clergy in different part of the world emphasising on the local sighting of the crescent to begin and end Ramzan, the ninth month of Islamic Hijera calendar. As the focus is on the local sighting of the crescent, a common Eid falling on the same day across the globe eludes the Muslim community, says Islamic scholar Moulvi Abdul Kareem.
As there is likelihood of dehydration and exhaustion in view of above normal temperatures in Telugu states, doctors advice that those on fast should drink plenty of water before Sahar and after Iftar. "One should avoid oily foods and consume fruits and vegetables in sufficient qualities to keep the body hydrated all through the day. Those with daily gym routine can take up exercises after breaking the fast," said internal medicine expert Dr Sohail Ahmad.
Meanwhile, restaurants are gearing up for the favourite Ramzan dish – Haleem – with special kitchens set up in function halls to meet the demand for the annual delicacy.