The Islamic Foundation has announced the Sehri and Iftar times for 2025. Ramadan in 1446 Hijri may start on March 1 or 2, depending on the moon sighting.
Changes in Sehri Time
In the past, Sehri ended three minutes before dawn (Subh-e-Sadiq), and Fajr prayer started three minutes after dawn. However, this year, the schedule has changed. Now, Sehri will end exactly when Fajr time begins, and the three-minute gap has been removed. This change is based on Hadiths, which do not mention any gap.
Dhaka Time for First Ramadan
The first day of Ramadan is expected to be March 2 in Dhaka. On this day, the last Sehri is at 5:04 AM, and Iftar is at 6:02 PM.
Time Difference for Other Areas
People living outside Dhaka need to adjust their Sehri and Iftar times. Depending on your location in Bangladesh, you may need to add or subtract up to 9 minutes from Dhaka's time. This adjustment is important for accurate fasting.
Importance of Sehri and Iftar
Sehri and Iftar are very important for fasting during Ramadan. Eating Sehri and breaking the fast at Iftar on time are necessary. You must also make an intention (Niyyah) to fast. Waking up for Sehri with the plan to fast is enough intention.
Intention (Niyyah) for Fasting
Intention is from the heart. You do not need to say it out loud; even if you do not, your fast is valid. Islamic books like Al-Bahrur Ra'iq, Al-Jawharatun Nayyarah, Raddul Muhtar, and Fatawa Hindiyya support this.
In Bangladesh, many people say a specific Arabic intention. This intention is not found in Hadith or Fiqh, but it is okay to say it if you want to.
Dua for Sehri
Here is the Sehri Dua with meaning:
Arabic: "نَوَيْتُ اَنْ اُصُوْمَ غَدًا مِّنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ الْمُبَارَكِ فَرْضَا لَكَ يَا اللهُ فَتَقَبَّل مِنِّى اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ السَّمِيْعُ الْعَلِيْم"
Transliteration: "Nawaitu an asuma ghadan min shahri Ramadanal mubarak fardal laka ya Allahu fataqabbal minni innaka antas-sami'ul 'aleem."
Bangla Meaning: "হে আল্লাহ! আমি আপনার সন্তুষ্টির জন্য, রমজান মাসের ফরজ রোজা আগামীকালের জন্য রাখার নিয়ত করছি। আপনি আমার পক্ষ থেকে তা কবুল করুন। নিশ্চয়ই আপনি সর্বশ্রোতা ও সর্বজ্ঞ।"
Dua for Iftar
Here is the Iftar Dua with meaning:
Arabic: "بِسْمِ اللهِ اَللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَ عَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ"
Transliteration: "Bismillah Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu."
Bangla Meaning: "আল্লাহর নামে। হে আল্লাহ! আমি আপনার জন্য রোজা রেখেছি এবং আপনার দেওয়া রিজিক দ্বারা ইফতার করছি।"
This Iftar dua is from Hadith, narrated by Mu'adh ibn Zuhra in Abu Dawood.
Properly following these times and intentions is important for fasting during Ramadan. It helps with spiritual growth and discipline.