Ramadan 2024 ‑ Calendar, Fasting, Celebrations | HISTORY (2024)

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. It is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. They are also supposed to avoid impure thoughts and bad behavior.

Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. Ramadan always falls on the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar. Ramadan 2024 began on the evening of Sunday, March 10, following the moon sighting, and concludes at sundown on Tuesday, April 9.

Facts About Islam

Islam is the world’s second largest religion after Christianity and has more than 1 billion followers. Islam originated in Arabia and has spread all over the world.

Countries with the largest Muslim populations include Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey and Iran. There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in America, along with Islamic places of worship, called mosques, in all 50 states.

Did you know? America's first mosque was built by Lebanese immigrants in North Dakota in the 1920s. The mosque was torn down in the 1970s and later replaced. What's believed to be the oldest surviving mosque in the U.S. was constructed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the 1930s.

Muslims believe that around A.D. 610 a man named Muhammad (c. 570-632) from the Arabian city of Mecca started receiving revelations from God, or Allah, via the angel Gabriel. The revelations were collected into a 114-chapter holy book known as the Quran (or Koran), which Muslims believe contains the exact words of God.

Muhammad is, according to Muslims, the final prophet in a line of prophets (including Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus) who were chosen by God to act as messengers and teach mankind. Muslims believe there is one all-knowing God, and people can achieve salvation by following his commandments. In Arabic, Islam means “submission” or “surrender” (to God).

A series of formal acts of worship, known as the Five Pillars of Islam, are fundamental to the lives of Muslims. The pillars include shahada (a declaration of faith: “There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God”); prayer (Muslims pray five times a day); zakat (charitable giving); fasting and pilgrimage (Muslims are supposed to make a trip, or “hajj,” to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once in a lifetime if they are physically and financially able).

When Is Ramadan?

Ramadan 2024 began at sunset on Sunday, March 10, and conclude at sundown on Tuesday, April 9.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar that’s based on the phases of the moon. The lunar calendar falls short of the solar calendar by 11 days.

As a result, Ramadan doesn’t start on the same date each year and instead, over time, passes through all the seasons

Why Is Ramadan Celebrated?

Ramadan is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of what became the Quran, the holy book for Muslims, from God.

The Quran states:

“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”

The Rules of Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day. They are supposed to avoid eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, as well as unkind or impure thoughts and words and immoral behavior.

Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint and self-reflection. Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and have empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate. Muslims go to work and school and take care of their usual activities during Ramadan; however, some also read the entire Quran, say special prayers and attend mosques more frequently during this time.

All Muslims who have reached puberty and are in good health are required to fast. The sick and elderly, along with travelers, pregnant women and those who are nursing are exempt, although they are supposed to make up for the missed fast days sometime in the future or help feed the poor.

The first pre-dawn meal of the day during Ramadan is called “suhoor.” Each day’s fast is broken with a meal known as “iftar.” Traditionally, a date is eaten to break the fast. Iftars are often elaborate feasts celebrated with family and friends. The types of foods served vary according to culture.

Eid al-Fitr

The conclusion of Ramadan is marked with a major celebration known as Eid al-Fitr (or Eid ul-Fitr), the Feast of Fast-Breaking. It starts the day after Ramadan ends and lasts for three days.

Eid al-Fitr includes special prayers and meals with friends and relatives, and gifts are often exchanged.

In 1996, then-first lady Hillary Clinton hosted the first Eid al-Fitr dinner at the White House. President Bill Clinton and subsequent presidents continued the tradition during their terms in office.

IslamIslam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions.Read more
Eid al‑FitrThe Islamic Calendar Though some Muslims observe other special days throughout the year, including the beginning of the new year according to the Islamic calendar and the day the Prophet Muhammad was born, the two Eids are the only holidays celebrated by the entire Muslim community worldwide. Eid al‑Fitr marks the end of the fast […]Read more
Eid al‑AdhaWhen Is Eid al‑Adha 2024? In the United States, Eid al‑Adha 2024 is predicted to begin on the evening ofSunday 16 June(depending on sightings of the moon) and will end with the culmination of the Hajj a few days later. The Story of Eid al‑Adha In the Quran, Ibrahim has a dream in which Allah […]Read more
Ramadan 2024 ‑ Calendar, Fasting, Celebrations | HISTORY (2024)

FAQs

Ramadan 2024 ‑ Calendar, Fasting, Celebrations | HISTORY? ›

Ramadan 2024 began at sunset on Sunday, March 10, and conclude at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. Ramadan is the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar that's based on the phases of the moon. The lunar calendar falls short of the solar calendar by 11 days.

What happens during Ramadan 2024? ›

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts either 29 or 30 days. In 2024, Ramadan lasted 30 days, with fasting having started on Monday 11 March. It ended on Wednesday 10 April.

What religion is fasting right now in 2024? ›

Every year, Muslims fast each day of Ramadan from dawn until dusk, for the duration of the month. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

What is the color of Ramadan in 2024? ›

The Ramadan 2024 Women Collection was dominated by expressive colors referring to precious, shiny stones - there was gold, silver, tourmaline, emerald and sapphire. Our latest proposals also include delicate blues, pinks, salmon and cream.

What are the traditions of fasting in Ramadan? ›

Fasting generally entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun. Muslims are required to fast on each of the 29 to 30 days of Ramadan. If unable to fast, charity or fasting days outside Ramadan may suffice.

Is there 2 Ramadan in 2024? ›

There won't be two Ramdans in 2024. Ramadan usually goes back or starts approximately 10 days earlier every year. That being said, the year that Ramadan starts at the beginning or first week of January, Ramadan will also fall or start again in December of the same year.

Which 5 days are forbidden for fasting in Islam? ›

The days on which fasting is prohibited include:
  • Fasting on the days of doubt: 1 or 2 days before Ramadhaan.
  • Fasting every day of the year.
  • A married woman keeping a voluntary fast without her husband's permission.
  • Fasting all day & night continuously.
  • Fasting on Ayyaamut Tashreeq: The three days following 'Eidul Adha.

Can you drink water during Ramadan? ›

During daytime, between suhoor and iftar, fasting Muslims are mandated to abstain from foods and drinks, even drinking water. This condition leads to limited time for drinking water (only 11 h from iftar to suhoor) and therefore may potentially lead to low fluid intake (13).

Can you say happy Ramadan? ›

Ramadan Greetings

Wish your Muslim neighbors “Ramadan Mubarak” (Happy Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (may Ramadan be generous to you). You can also simply say “Happy Ramadan” in English.

What is the holiest day of Ramadan? ›

Laylat al-Qadr

The night is considered to be the holiest night of the year. It is generally believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan; the Dawoodi Bohra believe that Laylat al-Qadr was the twenty-third night of Ramadan.

What date is Eid Mubarak 2024? ›

Meethi Eid, also known as Eid Al Fitr, falls on April 11, 2024. The celebration involves moon sighting, commemorating Prophet Muhammad's victory, and performing rituals like Namaz-giving and donations.

What time to break fast in Ramadan 2024? ›

Today 18 August, 2024 the New York Sehri time is 04:46 am and Iftar time is 7:50 pm as per Islami Hijri date 14 Safar 1446 for Fiqa Hanafi. Sehri time is 04:36 am and Iftar time in New York is 08:00 pm for Fiqa Jafari.

How to prepare for Ramadan 2024? ›

Ramadan 2024 Checklist
  1. Stock Up On Dates. Let's start with consumable items first. ...
  2. Read The Holy Qur'an. In Ramadan, Muslims make a habit of reciting the Qur'an on their own separately in their free time. ...
  3. An Extra Prayer Mat. Trips to the local mosques will be more frequent. ...
  4. Itar (Perfume) ...
  5. Donate To Charity.

What are the don'ts during Ramadan fasting? ›

Don't consume anything during fasting

Ramadan is mostly about keeping a fast, which is why it's necessary for people to refrain from eating or drinking anything before the Maghrib Azan. It is even forbidden for people to smoke during this one-month time.

What are 3 benefits of fasting in Ramadan? ›

As well as being a spiritual detox, where Muslims give up materialistic pursuits, arguments and sexual relations in a bid to become closer to God and gain taqwa (God-consciousness), fasting can help detox our bodies, improve our health and even lose weight.

Do you give gifts for Ramadan? ›

Giving gifts during Ramadan is a thoughtful gesture and a good deed to do during the Holy Month. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims worldwide, and exchanging gifts can enhance the spirit of unity, generosity, and goodwill among friends, family, and neighbors.

What are the rules of Ramadan? ›

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, gossip and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is meant to bring Muslims closer to God and help them better empathize with those who are less fortunate.

What do Muslims do during Ramadan? ›

What do Muslims Do in Ramadan? Fasting for self-restraint and God consciousness- no food, no drink, no smoking, no sexual relations. Spirituality and worship: Increased prayers, acts of worship and reflection, contemplation and recitation of the Qur'an, increased acts of kindness and forgiveness.

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