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What Is Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar's ninth month is called Ramadan. It is observed as a holy month to commemorate the moment when Muhammad, a caravan trader, received the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, from Allah through the angel Gabriel.

Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, introspection, and community that lasts for 29 to 30 days. According to Islamic belief, it is celebrated as a remembrance of the Prophet Muhammad receiving the first revelation of the Quran. Nonetheless, the crescent moon sighting marks the start of the Islamic holy month.

When is Ramadan 2024?
When is Ramadan 2024?

When Does Ramadan 2024 Start in Different Countries?

Depending on when the new moon appears, Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12 will be the first day of fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Mecca.

The Islamic lunar calendar, which starts with the crescent moon sighting, determines the date of Ramadan. The beginning of the month is determined by the testimony of moon sighters in Saudi Arabia and other countries with a majority of Muslims.

On March 10, 29, Shaaban month in the Hijri calendar, moon watchers face west with a clear view of the horizon after the sun sets to catch a first glimpse of the crescent moon.

March 11 is the first day of fasting in Ramadan, if the moon is visible at that time. If not, Shaaban will last 30 days, with March 12 marking the start of the fast.

The new moon is expected to be visible only in the Pacific on March 10, close to the Hawaiian Islands and portions of French Polynesia. Seeing the new crescent with the unaided eye is unlikely for most of the world, including the Middle East, North America, and Europe.

For most countries, the first day of fasting will likely be March 12. In countries like United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UK, US, Turkey, Maldives, Ramadan is likely to start on 11 March. In India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Ramadan is likely to start from 12 March.

If the skies are clear over most of the world on March 11, it may be possible to see the new moon without the need for optical aids. Telescopic sightings are most likely to occur in Tasmania, New Zealand, and southern Australia.

Furthermore, March 12 would be the first day of fasting if Ramadan did indeed start on March 11, 2024. This is so because Ramadan starts at maghrib, as sunset marks the start of the Islamic calendar. Thus, Muslims would start their fasting at dawn on March 12 and start their Ramadan 2024 taraweeh prayers after isha salah on March 11.

When does India's Ramadan begin in 2024?

Depending on when the moon is seen in Mecca, India is expected to observe Ramadan on either March 11 or 12. Saudi Arabia is the first place where people see the crescent-shaped Ramadan moon. Southeast Asian nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India typically see it a day later. It is significant to note that Islam uses the lunar, or Hijri, calendar, which has 354 days and is based on the phases of the moon cycle, as opposed to the rest of the world, which uses the solar or Georgian calendar. Every year, people observe Ramadan ten or eleven days early. On March 24, 2023, a crescent moon was spotted in India.

The Moon Phases of Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instituted the Muslim custom of seeing the new crescent in the western sky right after sunset for each of the 12 lunar months.

Depending on whether the new moon is visible on the 29th night of each month, the length of a lunar month can range from 29 to 30 days. The month lasts 30 days in the event that the new moon is not seen.

The moon may eventually move far enough out of Earth's and the sun's direct line of sight to reveal the "new," thin waxing crescent. Then, as the moon moves in a counterclockwise orbit around the Earth, the sun illuminates a portion of it. [We also circle the Ka'bah in this direction during our tawaf, or circumambulation, during the Hajj and Umrah.] If it is visible, it is only visible for a few minutes at that time before the moon sets quickly.

Traditions of Ramadan

When does Ramadan 2024 Begin in Different Countries?
Traditions of Ramadan

Starting from adolescence, all Muslims participate in the month-long, dawn-to-sunset fast that is the main feature of Ramadan, with a few exceptions for those who are sick, on the road, pregnant, elderly, etc. Muslims think that fasting purifies the body and serves as a reminder of the suffering endured by the underprivileged.

From sunrise to sunset, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or even touch water. The fast is broken up with two meals a day: the pre-dawn meal known as seheri and the nightly meal known as iftar. Following the Prophet Muhammad's example, many people traditionally break their fast at iftar by eating dates first.

During Ramadan, food is frequently shared with a poor family, though traditional iftar fare varies.

There is a lot of feasting and celebration on Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, which falls at the end of the 29- or 30-day fast (depending on the length of the lunar cycle)!

Sawm

Sawm is the Arabic term for "fasting" and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan revolves around fasting, which is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and mentally capable of observing this holy month.

Sawm occurs daily from sunrise to dusk. Muslims can more easily get ready for the days of fasting thanks to Muslim Aid's Ramadan schedule of daylight hours. It's critical to become familiar with the fasting times in order to prevent errors that could render the fast invalid.

The day's fast ends at dusk with the commencement of Maghrib prayers. Breaking the fast with dates is a custom that has numerous health advantages and is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Iftar is typically a pleasant meal enjoyed with loved ones.

Eid al-Fitr

Following the month of Ramadan, there is a significant celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." Eid al-Fitr doesn't start until the moon is seen, which should happen before or on April 9. It's a happy time to be together with loved ones, share smiles, and give gifts to the kids. For information on dates and any nearby community events, get in touch with your neighborhood mosque.

Zakat al-Fitr

All Muslims are obliged to make Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory donation that typically consists of a basic food item, prior to the conclusion of Ramadan and the special Eid al-Fitr prayer. The purpose of Zakat-al-Fitr is to make Eid al-Fitr more enjoyable for those who are less fortunate. Through Muslim Aid, you can make your Zakat al-Fitr donation. Our staff will then distribute food to those in need on your behalf.Although zakat al-Fitr must be paid at the conclusion of Ramadan, you can make your donation a few days ahead of time to make sure the recipients receive it in a timely manner. Among the final ten or so nights of Ramadan, some people choose to donate their Zakat or Zakat-al-Fitr on Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power. Giving acts are multiplied on special nights like the Night of Power.

To assist you in choosing the ideal time to make your donation, consult our Ramadan calendar 2024.

You can donate your Zakat al-Fitr to Muslim Aid for about £5 per person. Your contribution will enable our team to purchase and serve a healthy meal to a person experiencing poverty. This Ramadan, please consider making a generous donation to support Muslim Aid's work helping underprivileged people and communities worldwide.

FAQs About Ramadan 2024 Dates at a Glance

When does Ramadan 2024 start?

10 or 11 March.

How long is Ramadan 2024?

29 or 30 days, depending on moonsighting.

When does Ramadan 2024 end?

Around 9 or 10 April.

When is Laylat al-Qadr 2024?

Some hadith narrations identify Laylat-al-Qadr as the 27th night of Ramadan and one of the final ten odd nights of the month. Ramadan 27 may fall on a 7. Recall to regularly check the Muslim Aid website for the most recent Islamic calendar.

When Does Eid al-Fitr 2024 Start?

Eid-al-Fitr 2024 might fall on or near 10 April, depending on moonsighting.

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